Kenneth “Kenny” W. Kraus, 82, of Dubuque, died Monday, July 2, 2018, at Finley Hospital, after a brief illness.

Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Rd., where friends may greet the family from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Msgr. James Barta will officiate. Inurnment will be in Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery in Oceanside, California. Friends may also greet the family from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 5, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., where there will be a prayer service at 7 p.m.

He was born on Oct. 20, 1935, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Martin and Lucile (Van Laar) Kraus. He married the love of his life, Julia “Judy” Connell, on Sept. 8, 1956, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo. Judy preceded him in death on Dec. 21, 2008.

Kenny graduated from Loras College in 1957 and attended graduate school at the University of California at Berkeley, where he received a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1960. He returned to Loras College to teach Chemistry from 1960 to 2000. He retired as Professor of Chemistry and was appointed Professor Emeritus. During his years at Loras he was also called to serve in a number of administrative positions, including Assistant Academic Dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, and Acting President. Teaching was his lifelong passion and he had the opportunity to teach many outstanding students during his career.

Kenny was dedicated to the Democratic Party for more than 40 years, and he volunteered for many Democratic candidates. After retiring Kenny enjoyed being an active volunteer at many organizations for a number of years, including the Dubuque Museum of Art, Resurrection School Library, and Serra Club.

His wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren came first in his heart and he loved spending time with them and traveling with them.

Surviving are his four children, Kevin (Barbara) Kraus of Decorah, Iowa, Kathy (Larry) Lievens of Hillsdale, Illinois, Ellen (Brian) Patch of Dubuque, and Ed (Judy) Kraus of Marion, Iowa; and nine grandchildren, Jeff (Tai), Scott (Julie), Megan, John (Lauren), Allison (fiancé Andy), Peter (Rachael), Felicia (Andrew), Tessa, Andrew; and seven great grandchildren, Hailie, Cooper, Sven, Addie, Eamon, Hope, and Juniper; and two sisters; Mary Ann (Vincent) Demuth of Waterloo, and Marjorie (Richard) Lynch of Waterloo; and a sister-in-law, Mary Jo (Richard) Corkery of Chicago, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Resurrection Catholic Church and Loras College.

Kenny’s family extends a special thank you to everyone at Finley Hospital and Finley Home Health Care for their excellent care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfh.com.