Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund
Virginia and Marty Krause have been fervent advocates of Martin Luther High School since before the school began 35 years ago. The couple volunteered tirelessly helping to raise fund for the construction of the building and for the ongoing ministry expenses.
Both helped with spring and fall rummage sales over the years, with Virginia missing only one until her passing. One of Virginia’s passions was to sort through the donated jewelry, make needed repairs, and bag it. She took unique pieces and made them into a dazzling Christmas tree artwork that sold at the dinner auction.
Marty and Virginia spearheaded the Spring Benefit Dinner for many years and continued their support by offering several challenge matches at the Joyful Thanks Fall Benefit. They also enjoyed purchasing dinners and items at the Oh! What a Knight Dinner Auction, often bidding far above the actual value of the items. They delighted in giving and found joy in sharing their blessings. Both were recipients of the Martin Luther Award.
Virginia was diagnosed with cancer in April 2016. While she was hospitalized in September, Marty and Virginia talked a lot about their life and Virginia shared her final wishes. One of them included a legacy that she wanted to leave. With the assistance of attorney Fred W. Krahmer, Marty established the Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund through the Mankato Area Foundation.
After Virginia passed away in September of 2016, Marty chose to create the Virginia and Martin Krause scholarship fund in her memory and to honor their family’s commitment to providing options for students. “We’ve been there (with MLHS) since Day 1,” said Marty, recalling the work involved with building the school in 1983. “We wanted something that would last forever.”
The Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund was established through the Mankato Area Foundation to support students planning to attend Martin Luther High School. It was created to reward students who have exhibited a strong desire to be successful academically, as well as exemplifying a strong commitment to the community through service or having a history of involvement in extracurricular activities. Winners are selected based on this criteria apart from their cumulative GPA. A local advisory committee will review eligible applicants.
“Both Virginia and I believed in the public school system," said Marty. “However, I also think it’s wonderful that we live in a society in which we have an opportunity to make a choice. In our own family, three of our children graduated from our public schools, and two graduated from Martin Luther High School.”
His goal for establishing this scholarship fund was not only to help current students enrolled at MLHS but also to attract new students who may not be able to attend without financial assistance.
“We were proud that this school is still here after 34+ years – and want it to be here for decades to come.” Martin also expressed the desire for more people to follow his example. “Virginia and I both hope others will consider a charitable contribution to Martin Luther through scholarships. It’s a wonderful legacy to leave for our next generation. Our goal was for this scholarship fund to last into perpetuity. and anyone who would like to join us is welcome.”
“Virginia and Marty have been a foundational cornerstone of the school with their past, present and future support," said Principal Paul Steinhaus. “There is no way that a nonprofit is going to survive without these kinds of gifts. We are built on the foundation of our supporters. This is just a great example—a legacy that helps students come to this school and be blessed by a Christian education.”
Scholarships from the fund were awarded in the 2018-2019 school year. Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Advisory Committee made up of people directly associated with MLHS. The scholarship was created to reward students who have exhibited a strong desire to be successful academically, as well as exemplifying a strong commitment to the community through service or having a history of involvement in extracurricular activities. Winners are selected based on this criteria apart from the GPA. The goal is to not only help current students enrolled at MLHS but to attract new students who may not be able to attend without financial assistance.
God bless the memory of Virginia Krause and the life of Martin Krause. To God be all the glory.
Gifts are welcome to this fund. Please make checks out to: The Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund.
Mail them directly to: The Mankato Area Foundation, 127 South Second Street, Suite 100, Mankato, MN 56001.
Thank you.
Both helped with spring and fall rummage sales over the years, with Virginia missing only one until her passing. One of Virginia’s passions was to sort through the donated jewelry, make needed repairs, and bag it. She took unique pieces and made them into a dazzling Christmas tree artwork that sold at the dinner auction.
Marty and Virginia spearheaded the Spring Benefit Dinner for many years and continued their support by offering several challenge matches at the Joyful Thanks Fall Benefit. They also enjoyed purchasing dinners and items at the Oh! What a Knight Dinner Auction, often bidding far above the actual value of the items. They delighted in giving and found joy in sharing their blessings. Both were recipients of the Martin Luther Award.
Virginia was diagnosed with cancer in April 2016. While she was hospitalized in September, Marty and Virginia talked a lot about their life and Virginia shared her final wishes. One of them included a legacy that she wanted to leave. With the assistance of attorney Fred W. Krahmer, Marty established the Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund through the Mankato Area Foundation.
After Virginia passed away in September of 2016, Marty chose to create the Virginia and Martin Krause scholarship fund in her memory and to honor their family’s commitment to providing options for students. “We’ve been there (with MLHS) since Day 1,” said Marty, recalling the work involved with building the school in 1983. “We wanted something that would last forever.”
The Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund was established through the Mankato Area Foundation to support students planning to attend Martin Luther High School. It was created to reward students who have exhibited a strong desire to be successful academically, as well as exemplifying a strong commitment to the community through service or having a history of involvement in extracurricular activities. Winners are selected based on this criteria apart from their cumulative GPA. A local advisory committee will review eligible applicants.
“Both Virginia and I believed in the public school system," said Marty. “However, I also think it’s wonderful that we live in a society in which we have an opportunity to make a choice. In our own family, three of our children graduated from our public schools, and two graduated from Martin Luther High School.”
His goal for establishing this scholarship fund was not only to help current students enrolled at MLHS but also to attract new students who may not be able to attend without financial assistance.
“We were proud that this school is still here after 34+ years – and want it to be here for decades to come.” Martin also expressed the desire for more people to follow his example. “Virginia and I both hope others will consider a charitable contribution to Martin Luther through scholarships. It’s a wonderful legacy to leave for our next generation. Our goal was for this scholarship fund to last into perpetuity. and anyone who would like to join us is welcome.”
“Virginia and Marty have been a foundational cornerstone of the school with their past, present and future support," said Principal Paul Steinhaus. “There is no way that a nonprofit is going to survive without these kinds of gifts. We are built on the foundation of our supporters. This is just a great example—a legacy that helps students come to this school and be blessed by a Christian education.”
Scholarships from the fund were awarded in the 2018-2019 school year. Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Advisory Committee made up of people directly associated with MLHS. The scholarship was created to reward students who have exhibited a strong desire to be successful academically, as well as exemplifying a strong commitment to the community through service or having a history of involvement in extracurricular activities. Winners are selected based on this criteria apart from the GPA. The goal is to not only help current students enrolled at MLHS but to attract new students who may not be able to attend without financial assistance.
God bless the memory of Virginia Krause and the life of Martin Krause. To God be all the glory.
Gifts are welcome to this fund. Please make checks out to: The Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund.
Mail them directly to: The Mankato Area Foundation, 127 South Second Street, Suite 100, Mankato, MN 56001.
Thank you.
Martin "Marty" Marvin Krause Obituary
Martin Marvin Krause, 86, of Pine Island, MN, formerly of Fairmont, MN, died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home in Pine Island, MN.
Marty was born on the farm near Finlayson, MN on December 15, 1937, and was raised by his grandmother, Emma Krause, with the help of his uncles Bill and Karl Krause.
Marty graduated from McGrath, MN in 1955. He graduated from St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1959 and began his teaching and coaching career at Okabena High School. He married Virginia Alice Seydel on May 28, 1960, and they had six children, Martin Gustaf (passed in 1960), Julienne (Keith Rittenberry), Jerald (Debra Tarnowski), Jeffrey (Jan Buhr), Joel (Sarah Brown), and Jeannine (Travis Beert). In 1963 the Krause’s moved to Fairmont where he taught high school for four more years. In 1969 Marty started working for the Fairmont Sentinel as the sports editor, eventually moving up the ladder to production manager, and circulation manager. In 1970 he helped start the local ambulance service, working and serving the community as a driver and Emergency Medical Technician. Later, in 1983, he started his own insurance agency, eventually retiring from work in 2014. In between all of this he served as a volunteer driver for those in need of assistance, and as a foster father to over one hundred kids.
He enjoyed gardening and sharing the bounty of the harvest with friends and family, serving in various roles in church and their associated schools, following Minnesota professional and college sports, playing cards with some of his many friends, officiating high school football, basketball, baseball, and track, and tagging the occasional deer or catching his share of panfish and bullheads.
He was preceded in death by his son Martin (1960), his wife, Virginia (2016), siblings, parents, and many other relatives.
Marty is survived by his children Julie, Jerry, Jeff, Joel, and Jeannine, grandchildren Martin Rittenberry, Zachary Krause, Brianna Krause, Jordan Krause, Ana Krause, Brennen Krause, Bryson Beert, and Colden Beert, great-grandchildren Carson and Mason Krause and Madison, Brooke, Levi, and Maya Krause, and his special friend Connie Cobian of River Falls, WI.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 3 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont, MN. Funeral services will be 1:30 PM on Wednesday, December 4 at St. Paul Lutheran in Fairmont, MN, with the Pastor Anthony Bertram officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont, MN. Pallbearers will be Martin Rittenberry, Zachary Krause, Jordan Krause, Brennen Krause, Bryson Beert and Colden Beert.
Memorials or donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Elementary School in Fairmont, MN in his and Virginia’s name or to the Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund for Martin Luther High School in Northrop, MN. Keep it between the white lines, auf wiedersehen!
Martin Marvin Krause, 86, of Pine Island, MN, formerly of Fairmont, MN, died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home in Pine Island, MN.
Marty was born on the farm near Finlayson, MN on December 15, 1937, and was raised by his grandmother, Emma Krause, with the help of his uncles Bill and Karl Krause.
Marty graduated from McGrath, MN in 1955. He graduated from St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1959 and began his teaching and coaching career at Okabena High School. He married Virginia Alice Seydel on May 28, 1960, and they had six children, Martin Gustaf (passed in 1960), Julienne (Keith Rittenberry), Jerald (Debra Tarnowski), Jeffrey (Jan Buhr), Joel (Sarah Brown), and Jeannine (Travis Beert). In 1963 the Krause’s moved to Fairmont where he taught high school for four more years. In 1969 Marty started working for the Fairmont Sentinel as the sports editor, eventually moving up the ladder to production manager, and circulation manager. In 1970 he helped start the local ambulance service, working and serving the community as a driver and Emergency Medical Technician. Later, in 1983, he started his own insurance agency, eventually retiring from work in 2014. In between all of this he served as a volunteer driver for those in need of assistance, and as a foster father to over one hundred kids.
He enjoyed gardening and sharing the bounty of the harvest with friends and family, serving in various roles in church and their associated schools, following Minnesota professional and college sports, playing cards with some of his many friends, officiating high school football, basketball, baseball, and track, and tagging the occasional deer or catching his share of panfish and bullheads.
He was preceded in death by his son Martin (1960), his wife, Virginia (2016), siblings, parents, and many other relatives.
Marty is survived by his children Julie, Jerry, Jeff, Joel, and Jeannine, grandchildren Martin Rittenberry, Zachary Krause, Brianna Krause, Jordan Krause, Ana Krause, Brennen Krause, Bryson Beert, and Colden Beert, great-grandchildren Carson and Mason Krause and Madison, Brooke, Levi, and Maya Krause, and his special friend Connie Cobian of River Falls, WI.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 3 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont, MN. Funeral services will be 1:30 PM on Wednesday, December 4 at St. Paul Lutheran in Fairmont, MN, with the Pastor Anthony Bertram officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont, MN. Pallbearers will be Martin Rittenberry, Zachary Krause, Jordan Krause, Brennen Krause, Bryson Beert and Colden Beert.
Memorials or donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Elementary School in Fairmont, MN in his and Virginia’s name or to the Virginia and Martin Krause Scholarship Fund for Martin Luther High School in Northrop, MN. Keep it between the white lines, auf wiedersehen!