Richard Charles Kraus

Richard (Rick) Charles Kraus passed away September 3, 2026. Rick was born on May 14, 1946, in Cleveland, OH, to Donald Kraus and Mary (Mae) Edwards Kraus. The family moved to Duluth, MN, in 1956.

Rick enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 and served for four years. He was stationed in Okinawa and the Philippines as a radio operator and achieved the rank of Sergeant.

After his military service, Rick began his 30-year career at 3M in St. Paul, MN. He began as a copy repairman and advanced to Manager of the call center. He then took a position as a consultant for Braun Consulting before retiring in 2005.

Rick met the love of his life, Jean Lighter, and married in 1975. Earlier this year, they celebrated 51 years together. During their marriage they lived in Lakeville, MN, Atlanta, GA, and made Lakeland, FL, their home after retirement.

Hobbies included: computers and technology, woodworking, golf, grilling and cooking, going to the beach, and the love of his canine companions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Kraus and Mary (Mae) Edwards Kraus, as well as several aunts and uncles.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Jean Lighter Kraus. Brothers: Thomas (Sharon) Kraus, Clifford (Sue) Kraus. Cherished nieces and nephews: Michael (Robin) Kraus, Kathy Jashinski (Scott), Dale (Jennifer) Kraus, Dean (Janell) Kraus, Beth (Allen) Miller, Alyson (Mark) Steil, Brandon (Nia) Lighter, Jennifer (Jeremy) Wold, and Dallas (Victoria) Johnson. Also, many dear friends he called family.

Special thanks to: Allie his caregiver, MaryLucia his patient advocate, the dialysis team at DaVita Lakeland South, Good Shepherd Hospice House, and finally to the many doctors and nurses along his health journey for such loving care.

Services for a celebration of Rick’s life will be held at Heath Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer offering at 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. A link to view the service will be available on the Heath Funeral Chapel website. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.