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Ruben Nathaniel Kraus

May 11, 1929 - May 21, 2020

Date of Service: Jun. 15, 2020

PAUL – Ruben passed into eternity with Jesus on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls.

He was born in Thornton, Idaho, on May 11, 1929, to David and Kathryn Graf Kraus. Ruben enjoyed over 90 years of life with many challenges, victories, and just plain living. His family spent some years in Eastern Idaho. After his mother died, when he was quite young, Ruben and his dad ended up living in Paul where Ruben spent the entirety of his life. Ruben attended Paul school, where he played many sports, and graduated high school. He met his sweetheart, Shirley J. Clark, in Paul and they married on June 14, 1953. They made a quiet, peaceful life in Paul with their three children, Richard, Craig, and Jeannie.

Ruben spent his working life at the Minidoka County Highway District, retiring after 44 years of service as the longtime highway superintendent. He took his work seriously, working tirelessly ensuring that the roads were well maintained for the folks in the county. He loved sports of all sorts, and lived for fishing, hunting, and camping. He spent as much time as he could with his family and friends in the hills and creeks of Warm Springs and Big Smokey. Dad loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of Paul Baptist Church. He served as the coach of the basketball team for Paul Baptist Church and served as a deacon of the church. He was the last surviving charter member of the West End Fire District.

Ruben and Shirley enjoyed their retirement. They loved sitting on their outside swing together, holding hands and welcoming friends and family. As a result of their hard work, they had a spectacular yard with every imaginable variety of species of plants and trees which brought many squirrels and birds which then brought many cats. They loved each other well and demonstrated a Godly example of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Richard (Shauna), Craig, and Jeannie; three grandchildren, Erica, Chad and Joseph; and four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Brighten, Camden and Malachi – all of which he adored and loved well.

Ruben leaves behind a legacy of respect, love, and living life to its fullest.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, with the Rev. John Ziulkowski officiating. Burial will follow at Paul Cemetery.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, June, 14, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday prior to the service.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, Serenity Transitional Care, and Comfort Keepers for their kindness and loving care.

Condolences for Ruben Nathaniel Kraus

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Teresa Edmondson Lewis:

Shirley and family,prayers for you at this time.My memories are of walking past your cute house to school.I know Reuben supported you in doing your beautiful quilts.

From Geoff Short:

Ruben and Shirley were wonderful members of Paul Baptist Church. I enjoyed their dedication to the Lord.

From Janice Daniels:

I will always remember Uncle Ruben as a fun loving, caring uncle who was genuinely concerned about you and always asked how I was doing and had a smile on his face. I only wish we would of lived closer to you all so we could see you more! Sending Aunt Shirley, Rick, Craig & Jeannie my prayers of comfort, peace and unity for you all in this difficult time. Love you all much!

From Cathy & Leonard:

Shirley & Family, Know you are in our thoughts & Prayers..Life would not have been the same without knowing Ruben and you. God Bless

From Callie K Higbee:

Prayers for your family.

From Sandra Stevens:

Jim and I fondly remember Ruben. He’s as much a part of Paul, Idaho as anyone. He was one of Jim’s dad’s best friends. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.

From Sherry (ROBINSON) Wilson:

So sorry for your loss. Beak will be missed.

From Lorrie Shoup:

So sorry for your loss. May GOD be with u all

From Ernest Ramey:

Shirley, Rick, Craig and Jeannie, I share your sorrow in your loss of one so dear. I offer my sincere condolences for your loss and share my joy that your loved one is rejoicing in Heaven. God Bless you each one and comfort you in this time of sorrow.

From Cheryl Toevs Matheson :

Knowing Ruben and Shirley Jean has always been a great comfort in my life. I remember being a flower girl in their wedding and that started years of visits to this loving couple. My prayers are with Shirley.

From Corinne Bly:

Ruben Loved his Daughter Jeannie, I remember him petting Apache in their driveway and smiling at Jeannie with sparkling eyes. Such a Nice Man!! My condolences go to Jeannie. I am praying for you and I am so sorry for your loss.

From Kay Hansen:

Prayers and condolences to the Kraus family..

From Ralph and Brenda Walquist:

I enjoyed working many years with Ruben. Brenda and I, and the Merrill family, leave our thoughts and prayer with your family during this time of loss.

From Darrell Rawson:

Prayers and condolences to the family.

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