Richard H. Krause

Richard Harvey Krause, age 84, of Russell, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Main Street Manor, Russell, Kansas.

Born on April 24, 1942, at his family’s home south of Bunker Hill, Richard was the son of Harvey and Mayme (Cook) Krause. He grew up in the Bunker Hill and Dorrance communities, attending local country schools before graduating from Dorrance High School in 1960.

On January 16, 1962, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Rita (Bohnen). From that day forward, the family they built in Russell carried them through a nearly 65 year journey filled with love, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Their greatest joy came from raising their three sons: Rich, Jeff, and Kevin.

After graduation, Richard worked various jobs before beginning his long and devoted career with the Russell County Highway Department in April 1963. He dedicated 50 years to the county before retiring in December 2012. Richard took considerable pride in his work—so much so that those who knew him often joked he could run a motor grader or tractor in his sleep.

A farmer at heart, Richard, found joy in every part of the tending of land. He loved harvesting wheat, raising cattle, and caring for the chickens, and he poured that same steady commitment into the family farming operations for many years alongside Rich and Kevin. Richard also had a lifelong love of horses and trained several over the years to perform tricks, a talent that never failed to delight family and friends.

Richard was long committed to his faith and community as a member of St. John Lutheran Church and a longtime member of the Russell ELKS Lodge.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Rita, of the home; his three sons, Rich (Tammy) of Russell, Jeff (Terrie) of Phoenix, AZ, and Kevin (Sheri) of Hays; and six grandchildren, Nathan (Melissa) of Wichita, Ryan (Jessica) of Kansas City, MO, Dylan (Lauren) of Catherine, Regan (Garrett) Varati of Larned, Kathleen (Hunter) Collier of Phoenix, AZ, and Anna (Ross) Williams of Pensacola, FL. He also affectionately welcomed two additional grandchildren into the family: Justin (Kayla) Gilbert of Fort Worth, TX, and Jennifer Gilbert of Phoenix, AZ. He was blessed with one great-grandchild, Wyatt Krause, and six additional great-grandchildren whom he welcomed into the family. Richard is also survived by two sisters, Alyne Strube of Choctaw, OK, and Carol Prester of Russell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Dolores Hudnall.

All guests are invited to a luncheon following the cemetery service at St. Mary’s Queen of Angels Catholic Church Parish Center.

A celebration of Richards life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Main Street Manor and sent to the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is handling the funeral service arrangements.