Jack A. Krause

Jack A. Krause, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 28, 2025.

Jack was born on March 2, 1943, to Julius and Hulda (Woods) Krause in Eau Claire, WI. He grew up on the north side of Eau Claire, and as he would always fondly recall, started working at age 8. He collected bottles along the roadway and brought them to a local tavern for money, had a paper route, and would also rescue old golf balls in the Lake Hallie area for money. It was in this same area where Jack would purchase his forever home in 1968. After graduating high school from Eau Claire Memorial in 1961, Jack enlisted in the Air Force, initially serving for 4 years, then another 2 years as a reserve. Returning to Eau Claire after his service, Jack started working at Uniroyal Tire Company, a job that he took immense pride in, until the plant closed in 1990.
Jack married Mary Rugotzke in 1977, and they made their home in Lake Hallie, along the Chippewa River. They welcomed Kylee in 1979 and Kari in 1981. He enjoyed boating and the upkeep of his lawn, spending hours a week ensuring it was in top-notch shape. Jack also had a passion for classic cars, especially Cadillacs, and was an avid collector. Jack had a love for pets and spending time with friends. One of his favorite pastimes was going to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair with his grandkids, always commenting that he had been going to the fair for almost 70 years and never missed a year! It was like clockwork when he entered the fairgrounds; he would walk directly to the French fry stand to get his French fries to eat and share with the grandkids.

Jack leaves behind his daughter Kylee Staebell (Kyle) and grandchildren, Reese, Jackson, Savannah, and Avery, and daughter Kari Whalen (Ryan), grandson Preston, sister Julie Renz, as well as many other friends and relatives. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, sister, Kathlyn, and brother, David.

A special thank you to Sarah and Erica from St. Croix Hospice for their care during Jack’s last days, as well as Randy Beebe for all his assistance to him and work on the property during Jack’s final months.

There will be an open house at the funeral home on Saturday January 10, 2026 from 1-3 pm with burial at a later date in the Northside Cemetery in Eau Claire. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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