Robert J. Kraus, age 60, of Elkhart Lake, passed away Thursday evening (September 16, 2021)
surrounded by his loving family in the home that he built.
He was born on March 4, 1961 in Sheboygan, a son of Janet and the late Eugene Kraus, and graduated
from Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School in 1979.
On September 14, 1985 he married Judith Gumieny at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Elkhart
Lake. The couple has resided in the Elkhart Lake area since their marriage, first remodeling an old farm
house on County Road A, before building their current residence on County Road J.
Bob and Judy spent many years in Northern Wisconsin at their cabin with their children. These years
were spent in the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, and various water sports.
He was a (30) year union mason and spent his last 10 years at Miron Contruction as a Mason
Superintendent prior to his retirement. He spent most of his career building educational and industrial
facilities.
Bob was always so generous, which led to him donating his brain to research for GBM cancer. He also
donated his time back to the community by utilizing his masonry skills to build the dugouts and
concession stands at the June Vollrath Park in Elkhart Lake. He spent time as a member of the Winooski
Bowman Club, the St Anna Sportsman Club, and the Town Russel Board. He was also a lifelong long
member of St Thomas Aquinas Church in Elkhart Lake.
Bob was seen every November at the family-built hunting cabin in Elkhart Lake. This is the place that
many memories with family and friends were made, and the phrase “Daylight in the Swamp” was
shouted by Bob. He always had a passion for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his family
and friends. He spent his later years perfecting the art of chainsaw carving.
Survivors include: His loving wife: Judy; Sons: Chad (Holly) and Brian (Heidi); Grandchildren: Nina, Kylie,
Lorin, Calvin, Ashton, Emmit, and Quinn; Mother: Janet; Sister: Connie (Dave) Odekirk; Brother: Gary
(Cindy) Kraus; Father and Mother-in-law: David and Joyce Gumieny; Brothers-in-law: Steve (Dee)
Gumieny, Jeff (fiancée: Lisa) Gumieny, Mike (Judy) Gumieny, and Ted (Amy) Gumieny; as well as many
nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday (September 25, 2021) at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic
Church in Elkhart Lake. Visitation will take place from 9:00AM – 1:00PM, with a Mass of Christian Burial
to follow at 1:00 PM. Fr. Philip Reifenberg will officiate and inurnment will be in the Parish Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Bob’s name to the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund
and can be made directly at (https://scccf.org/donate).
Bob’s family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Connelly and her team, Dr. Minehan, and the staff
of Sharon Richardson Community Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion given to Bob. They
would also like to thank all family and friends for the love and support given to them!
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online
condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
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