Keith H. Krause, 65, of Rhinelander, died, May 7, 2012 at Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital. He was born Aug. 23, 1946, to Harold and Lydia (Kohlhagen) Krause in Waukesha.

Keith moved to Rhinelander with his parents as a young child. He graduated from Three Lake High School in 1964. Keith married his high school sweetheart Connie Pospychala on April 20, 1968. He worked for Rhinelander Paper Mill for 42 years retiring in 2010 to care for his wife, Connie who had cancer. Keith enjoyed riding his four-wheeler and Harley, playing pool and bowling, attending Hodag Country Fest, racing stock cars and snowmobiles and giving his grandchildren tractor rides. Keith could often be seen riding his Harley in the winter per his telephone answering machine.

Keith is surviving by his daughter, Anita Brooks of Rhinelander, his grandson, Bretley Krause, granddaughters, Brittany (Kevin) Bex and Devin Brooks, great granddaughter, Kalli Bex, great grandson, Konner Keith Bex, his sister, Kaylene Delveaux of DePere, Wisconsin and special friend, Anne Day. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Connie on Nov. 10, 2010; and his son, Kevin on Dec. 30, 1994.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 11, at Nativity of Our Lord – St. Joseph’s site, with Father Thomas Thakadipuram officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home Thursday, May 10, from 4 to 7 p.m., and again Friday, morning at 9:30 until 10:15 a.m.

(Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home)