Kimberly Kay Kraus

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton with Fr. John Paul Knopik Celebrant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Private Family Interment will be in West Lakeside Cemetery, rural Wheaton, Minnesota.

Kimberly Kay Kraus was born on August 27, 1989, to Jim and Pam (Johnson) Kraus at Wheaton Community Hospital. She was baptized and confirmed at Ave Maria Catholic Church and graduated with honors from Wheaton High School in 2009. Following her education, Kimberly worked for many years as a bookkeeper at Napa, a role she cherished and in which she formed lifelong friendships.

Despite facing physical challenges, Kimberly led a vibrant life filled with passions such as wildlife photography, gardening alongside her father, and crafting. She had a remarkable talent for creating beautiful dollhouses, utilizing items that she handcrafted herself. A true animal lover, Kimberly possessed a keen ability to identify various animals, birds, insects, and plants. Over the years, she hand-raised several wild animals, including a skunk, raccoon, mourning dove, jackrabbit, many abandoned kittens, and even hatched a baby gecko. Kimberly had a deep respect for all living things and would not harm even the smallest fly.

Family held immense significance in Kimberly’s life, and she played an integral role in the lives of those she loved. Together, they shared countless memories, including vacations, camping trips, time by the lake, and trail rides with her driving pony, Lightning, as well as riding her quarter horse, Sapphire. Her mother, who cared for her throughout her life, could attest to Kimberly's loving nature, as she adored being an aunt and maintained a close bond with her sisters. Despite the support she received from her family, Kimberly was always more concerned about their well-being than her own.

Kimberly was a kind and strong spirit, a true fighter. In the end, when her body could no longer continue the battle, she decided on her own she was ready to go to Heaven. She passed away on December 2, 2025, at Sanford Wheaton Hospital, surrounded by family who never left her side. Kimberly will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Kimberly is survived by her parents Jim and Pam Kraus; her sisters: Sara (Kevin) Ballhagen, Katy (Adam) Lichtsinn, and Carrie (Sean) Witte; niece and nephews: Austin, Blake, Lexi, Kyle, and Lane; Grandmother Pauline Johnson; her cats: Theo and Reba; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kimberly is proceeded in death by her sister Lisa; infant brother Steven; grandparents: Wally Johnson, and Vern and Ann Kraus; aunts and uncles: Janet Kraus, Les and Kathy Kraus, and Mike Montgomery; along with many pets.

Memorials may be directed to: Jim and Pam Kraus, 6722 Co Rd 9, Wheaton, MN 56296