H. Werner Krause (he always went by his middle name, not "Heinz") was born on March 4, 1934, in Loetzen, Germany, to Erna and Paul Krause. He passed at home, with his wife by his side, on Monday, June 15, 2020.
As a child, Werner, his Mother, brother Hans, and sister Dorothea, escaped ahead of the Russian Army occupying their town, with only what they could carry. His father was killed in WW2.
Werner first came to the USA (alone) as a refugee on a Liberty Ship, in 1954, with a cardboard suitcase, a little knit cap, and the $60.00 he earned working on the ship.
He proudly served in the US Army, 11th Airborne Division. After leaving the Army, he worked incredibly hard, embarking on a life which took him all over the world. After returning to Germany in 1963, he was blessed with the birth of his daughter Christiane in 1964. She was the light of his life. Up until the end, anytime she would call or visit, it would be such a happy time for him.
Werner was an avid sports fanatic, who reveled in soccer, tennis, and downhill skiing. He played semi-professional soccer in Vienna, Austria. His years in Vienna, with Rank Xerox, were a very happy time in his life. His career spanned many years, and locations, ultimately bringing him to Boca Raton, FL, in 1985, as a CEO with Siemens Corporation, until retiring in 2001. He enjoyed many great moments and created lasting friendships. Werner did all he could to promote others to succeed and created many opportunities for others.
His "Rules for Life" were:
Do what's right
Do the best you can
Treat others as you want to be treated
In 1989, Werner met the love of his life, Mary Pat. They enjoyed many happy years together, spending time with family, traveling, and entertaining. Mary Pat tended to him these last years, during his extended illnesses. Werner adored his grandchildren Luca, Oscar, and Emily. They made his life complete. He was the Best Opa in the World!
Werner is survived by his wife Mary Pat, daughter Christiane Meyer-Ricks (Kai), brother Hans (Ursula), sister Dorothea (Dieter-deceased), grandchildren Luca Meyer-Ricks, Oscar Meyer-Ricks, and Emily Meyer-Ricks, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
He was truly a kind man. A good man. An honorable man. A man of strong character and one who was fair. He had a hilarious sense of humor (loved pranks) and had a very tender side, as well.
He will be missed by all those who had the blessing to know him.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, June 23 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach.
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