Donald Krause

Donald Edward Krause, 87, of Cannon Falls, died peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at The Gardens of Cannon Falls.

Don was born on February 29, 1932, in Winona, MN, the son of Emil and Isabelle (Scherer) Krause. On August 3, 1963, Don was united in the sacrament of marriage to Margaret Anne Paffel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona, MN.

After graduating from Winona Senior High School, Don received degrees/certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education, Learning Disabilities, and Administration from Winona State College and St. Mary’s College in Winona. Don taught for a short time in Minneapolis and Bricelyn, MN, before settling in Cannon Falls and teaching for 33 years in special education at the Cannon Falls Elementary School. Don grappled with cerebral palsy his entire life, and as a result, he always rooted for the underdog, especially students who needed a little extra help to succeed. His greatest gift and legacy was to teach struggling students to read.

Don enjoyed history, Bible study, attending Mass regularly, music by Gershwin, and sports—especially football. He was an active member of St. Pius V Church teaching Faith Formation classes for years and lectoring at Mass. He served on several boards including the Library Board in Cannon Falls and the Goodhue ARC. For over 45 years, Don was involved in MCCL working to protect the most vulnerable members of society and be a voice for those who could not advocate for themselves. He delighted in his grandchildren—in his eyes they were perfect.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Joyce Woychek, and infant son Luke.

He will be missed by his wife of 55 years, Margaret; his children, Marty (Bobbi) Krause of Rapid City, SD, Maria (Tom) Wright of Cannon Falls, and Paul (Jody) Krause of Plainview, MN; 13 grandchildren: Isaac, Luke, Paul, Peter, Leo, Andrew, Joseph, Elizabeth, Peter, Sarah, Mary, Laura, and Dominic; and nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Cannon Falls with Father Terry Beeson officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday morning at St. Pius V Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow the funeral Mass.

Memorials are preferred to the Cannon Falls Library and MCCL.