Donald Alfred Kraus, 62, was born March 31, 1949, in Wichita, Kansas. He was the son of Raymond and Rita Friess Kraus.

At the age of 2, his family moved to the Marion area, which became his life-long home. He attended Pleasant View Grade School and later graduated from Marion High School with the class of 1967.

On June 5, 1971, Don married the love of his life, Victoria Kay Vajnar. Their union would be blessed with four children: Melanie, Kristi, Brendan and Nicholas.

They made their home northeast of Marion where they farmed and ranched. Don has also been a hybrid seed dealer of Mycogen Seeds for many years.

Don served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. He had served on the USD 408 School Board for 8 years, was a 4-H leader for 10 years, a member of the Kansas Livestock Association, he was currently serving on the Flint Hills RECA board, and an active member of the Holy Family Parish.

He enjoyed hunting, playing cards, John Deere equipment, and spending time with his family and friends. Don’s kids and grandkids were the light of his life. He was well known for his sense of humor.

Don passed away on March 9, 2012, at Wesley Medical Center, due to complications from an ATV accident.

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond.

He is lovingly survived by his wife Vickie of the home; his children: Melanie and husband Jeremy Dunn of Coldwater; Kristi and husband Chris Mercer of Topeka; Brendan and wife Tina of Marion; and Nicholas and wife Stephanie of Marion; his mother Rita of Marion; siblings: Alice Trego of Hampshire, Ill.; Leroy of Marion; Dennis of Wichita; Paul of Wichita; and Lori Siebert of Marion; and 13 grandchildren.

Don impacted many lives and has left a void in his family, his church, and his community, which is only comforted in the faith that one day we will all be reunited.

The Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Holy Family Parish, St. John Nepomucene Church in Pilsen. Interment was in the Marion Cemetery. Memorial funds have been established for the Fr. Kapaun Fund, the Marion City Library or the American Heart Association in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm St, Marion, KS, 66861.