----Source: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 edition of the Tribune - Record - Gleaner (Greenwood, Wis.)
 

Martha Krause

Martha Krause died April 15, at the Memorial Nursing Home in Neillsville at the age of 90.

Martha Lydia Krause was born on Feb. 28, 1914 in Granton, to Alfred and Laura (Steinbach) Riesner. Her mother died at an early age and Martha was raised by her Aunt Alma and Uncle Allen Reisner. She attended school in the Granton area. Martha moved to Milwaukee and earned her living doing housework, retail work in a dime store and waitressing. She married George Gump on June 16, 1936 and they continued to live in Milwaukee. George died in 1952 and Martha decided to return to the Granton area. She married Elroy "Mike" Krause on Sept. 12, 1953. They farmed and also provided foster care for more than 40 boys over a period of 30 years. Martha also drove for the Social Service Department of Clark County for approximately 27 years, taking people to their appointments. She resided in Rockford, Ill. from 2000 - 2003 with her daughter Mary. She returned to the local area and resided in the Memorial Nursing Home. Martha was a member of the Zion Lutheran Missouri Synod Church in Granton.

Martha is survived by her daughters, Laura (Harlow) VerHagen of Belvidere, Ill.; Mary (Cecil) Boatwright of Rockford, Ill. and a foster son, Jerry (Sandy) Egstad and family. She is also survived by grandchildren; Edward (Jean) VerHagen, Chuck VerHagen, Bonnie VerHagen, Connie VerHagen, Cindy Roman, Crystal (Brian) Hinz and Terry (Mary) Boatwright all of Illinois, and 18 great-grandchildren. She is survived by a brother, Arthur (Ella) Reisner of Milwaukee, and half siblilngs, Ruby Reisner, Charles Reisner, and Arnold (Cookie) Reisner of Sheldon; nieces and nephews, Barbara (Jim) Vanwilligan, Jewil (Sue) Schaefer, Yvonne (Bob) Graham, Edward (Debbie) Reisner, Barbara Behling, and Allen Reisner.

She was preceded in death by her husband George; an infant daughter; a brother, Edward Reisner; husband Elroy "Mike" Krause; sister, Lucille VanBuren; and grandsons Jerry Boatwright and John Risse.

Funeral services for Martha were held Tuesday, April 20, at the Zion Lutheran Missouri Synod Church in Granton. Pastor John Trewyn officiated and Caroline Helm, organist, provided music. Interment took place in the Town of Lynn Cemetery.

Gesche Funeral Home assisted Martha's family with arrangements.