Fountain Hills, AZ - Raymond Charles Krause was born on May 2, 1929, in Hankinson, North Dakota to Carl and Cecelia (Muenzer) Krause. One of eight children, many of his siblings lived well into their 90's. He passed away peacefully with family on April 9, 2026, just weeks before his 97th birthday.

Ray graduated from Wadena High School in 1947, where he played several sports. He earned a BA from the University of Minnesota in 1950 and a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1953. He served in the Army during the Korean War and remained proud of his military service, keeping in touch with fellow veterans in later years.

After law school, he moved to Mankato where he met and married the love of his life Yvonne "Vonnie" (Marka) Krause on December 1, 1956. They shared a rich life together and traveled widely until Vonnie's death in 2017. Afterwards Ray divided his time between his Lake Washington home in Minnesota with son Tom's family in the spring and summer and with daughter Nancy's family in Arizona in the fall and winter. He loved family gatherings with friends, barbeques, cocktails and always had a story or something interesting to say. The family also went on several cruises together all over the world.

A brilliant lawyer, Ray was a long-time partner at Blethen, Gage and Krause and a tireless litigator. He was elected a Fellow of the American College of Advocates, and in 1978, a member of the highly selective American College of Trial Lawyers. He was also recognized as a Super Lawyer early in that program's history and was widely respected by colleagues and judges.

Ray was an avid golfer, long-time member and past president of the Mankato Golf Club and recorded two holes-in-one. He also was a founding member of Firerock Country Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona where he and Vonnie wintered. He loved skiing trips to Vail, Colorado. He loved hunting ducks, ruffed grouse, pheasants, deer, moose, elk and particularly turkeys in his later years, with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, especially trips to Canada. During these trips, he really liked watching the sunrise and seeing everything moving around in the early morning. He was a lifelong devoted sports fan, and he closely followed the Minnesota Vikings, the University of Minnesota Gophers, Twins and Timberwolves and attended two Super Bowls.

Known for his sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable memory, Ray took pride in his achievements and in his family's. He was cherished by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vonnie and six siblings. He is survived by his son Tom (Patty) Krause; daughter Nancy (Tracy) Cavenaugh; grandchildren Peter (Hillary) Krause, Amy (Warren) Ginsberg, Holly Krause and Allison (Alex) Pavone; six great grandchildren and brothers Ken and Joe.

A celebration of Ray's life will be announced soon. He will be buried at Fort Snelling Cemetery with a full military ceremony.