Wendell "Dell" Krause

Wendell Royce (Dell) Krause, 81 of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Sept. 21, 2013 at home, in Grand Forks, ND. Dell was born in Adams, ND to William and Charlotte (Poole) Krause on October 28, 1931. The family moved to Grand Forks in 1942 and he attended Grand Forks schools graduating from Central in 1950. While in high school he assisted his father farming on land west of Grand Forks where GF Mark Andrews Airport sits. He attended classes at the University of North Dakota and began employment at Northern States Power in 1951. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and spent most of his Army career in Germany. He was an avid bowler in earlier years. Upon return to Grand Forks he resumed his career at NSP and was employed in the Meter Shop for 39 years. In early days at NSP he was a Meter Reader throughout Grand Forks. At this time he developed the keen ability to recognize addresses and associate the family that lived at the address. He seemed to know everyone in Grand Forks and through the years maintained close ties to many. Dell married Grace Lois (Anderson) Swanson in July 1955. Grace was a widow and brought Ronald (Skip) into the relationship. He adopted Skip and the Krause family began. Rodney R. was born in 1958. Dell again assisted his, in farming, on the Poole Family Farm in Forest River, ND. As he raised his family he became active in Grand Forks and ran for both City Council and School Board. Although he lost those elections he made a statement, and was able to assist in getting a school crossing on South Washington and 13th Ave South. Previously there had been no traffic signals on that corner. In the 1960's he was offered a promotion to the Division Meter Man and completed a rigid correspondence degree in Electrical Technology. He served at that position until his retirement in 1990. Grace died in 2003 and Dell married Donna (Eggen) Taylor in December 2004. Dell again welcomed new family members into the Krause family. He and Donna were so proud to take the children and grandchildren on a Christmas cruise for the 2012 families' Christmas. Dell was involved in many activities in the community of Grand Forks. He was a Mason, a Life Member of DAV. He belonged to the Lions and was a strong supporter of the Lions Vision programs. Dell belonged to Augustana Lutheran Church, eventually transferring his membership to Calvary Lutheran Church. He was a long time member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers IBEW 1426. Dell became active in Boy Scouts, while his sons were Boy Scouts. He became the Scoutmaster of Troop 6, at Augustana Lutheran. During his years in scouting he assisted many to obtain the Eagle Scout rank and Pro Deo Et Patria Lutheran scout awards. The Lake Agassiz Boy Scout council awarded him awards for his Scouting involvement. Dell became an avid UND Sioux hockey enthusiast when the conditions for attending a hockey game where not so plush. Many frigid winter nights included bundling the boys up to travel to "The Barn" and watch the Sioux and argue with his brother-in-law Howard Blehm. He maintained his love for Sioux hockey up until his death. He supported the UND Athletics through many years involvement with the UND Coaches Club. Wendell is preceded in death by his wife Grace, parents William & Charlotte, his brother Samuel (Dean) Krause, step grandson McCain Endres, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, including a special cousin Lowell Sukstorf, and many brothers and sisters in law. He is survived by his wife Donna, Sons - Ronald (Skip) & Ann, Sarasota FL/Garrison ND, Rodney & Judy, Minot, ND. Stepdaughter - Mary (Tom) Endres, Grand Forks ND. Stepson - Mark Taylor, Hawaii. Grandchildren - Allison Grace (Krause) Barrett, Eden Prairie, MN, Jeremy Royce Krause, Minot, ND, Melissa Amber Krause, Albuquerque, NM. Step grandchildren - Rodell Endres, Phoenix AZ. Taylor Endres, Grand Forks, ND, Robert Taylor, Jack Taylor, Joe Taylor, Kari (Matt)Olson. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Altru Cancer Center and Hospice. A memorial service will take place on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 2:00 PM in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 South 9th St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church.