Donald E. “Donnie” Kraus, 78, of rural Oblong, passed away at 9:55 PM on Friday, January 23,
2026 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital, Olney, IL.
Donnie was born December 28, 1947, in Ste. Marie Township, Jasper County, IL the son of Edgar
George Kraus and Rosena Saloma Hahn Kraus. He married Bonnie J. Herr April 15, 1972, at
Saint Valentine Catholic Church in the Bend, Ste. Marie, IL.
Surviving is his wife of almost 54 years, Bonnie J. Kraus of rural Oblong, their children: Dawn
(Douglas “Doug”) Ochs of Ste. Marie, Timothy “Timmy” Kraus of Oblong and Kenneth
“Kenny” (Casey) Kraus of Oblong; 6 Grandchildren: Taylor Ochs, Osten Ochs, Riley Kraus,
Heidi Kraus, Allie Kraus and Kane Kraus; 4 Sisters: Rosena Cortelyou of Bloomington, IL,
Mary Ellen (Tom) Block of Pearl City, IL, Teresa Long of Jerseyville, IL and Dorothy Bloom of
Olney, IL; Sister-in-Law: Nancy Kraus of Clay City, IL; Brother-in-Law: William “Bill”
(Margie) Herr of Effingham; 2 Step-Brothers: James (Cheryl) Lamkin of TX and Joe (Judy)
Lamkin of Mustang, OK; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his Step-Mother, Mary L. Ochs Lamkin Kraus; 2
Brothers: Oscar (Shirley Stone) Kraus and Cletus “Clete” Kraus 1 Sister: Marcella (Bernard)
Menke; his infant sister, Rosetta Mary Kraus; 2 Brothers-in-Law: Paul Long and Earl Bloom;
and 5 Step-Sisters: Susie Lamkin, Judy Lankin, Patricia McIntyre, Sandra Leist and Reta
Garren.
Donnie graduated from Oblong High School in 1965. He served in the Army in 1967-1969
during this time, he served in the Vietnam War. He received several awards, Victory Service
Medal with Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960-), US
Bar 2 RVN, Good Conduct Medal and Honorable Discharge.
Donnie was the owner and operator of Kraus Farm Inc., Ste. Marie Sawmill, Licensed Timber
Buyer and Track Hoe Services. He started farming with his brothers at a young age as Kraus
Brothers. In 2000 he brought his brother out and it became Kraus Farm In. Working by his side
was his best friend/son, Kenny. He enjoyed farming and being in all his farming equipment,
especially his track hoe.
Donnie was a member of the Ste. Marie American Legion Post 932. He held the positions of
Commander, Sergeant at Arms, and participated in many military funerals during the 58 years he
was a member. He was also a member of the VFW Post 7537 in Newton for several years. He
was a member of the Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie. He was the
supervisor of the St. Marie Township for several years. At present time he held one of the
Trustee positions. He was also on the Capitol Pond Level District for many years. In his spare
time he enjoyed fishing, gardening and hunting, especially this year when he got his 13-point
buck. Donnie loved spending time with his wife taking new adventures and seeing new places
with his family and friends. His grandkids were his whole world. He enjoyed taking them on
golf cart rides and four-wheeler rides.
A lot of people looked up to him. He was a father figure to many. He never met a stranger. He
loved his animals and his western movies. Donnie was known for the best fried fish. The
biggest Flathead he ever caught was 70 lbs from the Embarrass River.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Mary of the
Assumption Catholic Church, 112 Embarrass St., Ste. Marie, IL 62459 with Father Tomy Philip
officiating. Interment will be in Saint Valentine Cemetery, Ste. Marie Township, Jasper County,
IL with military rites provided by Ste. Marie American Legion Post 932. Visitation will be held
from 4:30 to 7:30 PM on Friday-January 30, 2026, at Pulliam Funeral Home, 302 E. Main St.,
Oblong, IL and from 9:00 to 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the church prior to
Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 112
Embarrass St., Ste. Marie, IL 62459 to be used for Masses, the Bend Community Club c/o
Sharon Tuttle, 5591 N 2150th St., Willow Hill, IL 62480 or American Legion Post 932, P.O. Box
66, Ste. Marie, IL 62459.
Donnie was a hard-working man and provided for his family well. He will be missed by his
wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. Rest in peace, Donnie. We love you.
