Kristie K. Krause, age 34, of Battle Creek, MI and former Upper Peninsula resident, died unexpectedly, in her sleep, at her family home in Battle Creek.

Kristie was born September 26, 1971, at the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Gwinn, the daughter of Ralph and Dawn (Gasman) Krause Jr.  Kristie was raised in the U.P. until 1988, at which time, she moved, with her family, to Battle Creek where she attended and graduated from the Harper Creek High School, in 1990.  Throughout the 1990’s, Kristie worked as a volunteer at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility.  In addition to her volunteer work, Kristie enjoyed reading the Bible and listening to music.  She loved reading and writing poetry and was noted for the publication of some of her select poems.  Kristie was very proud of her involvement in the Special Olympics.  She was the State President for the Junior AmVets.  Kristie spoke quite highly of her trip to Philadelphia for the Freedoms Foundation where she spent several days learning the history of our country and it’s progression throughout the decades.  Kristie spent many hours of her time reading books and studying a variety of subjects.  She was very self motivated in gaining knowledge, taking on-line self study courses in the medical transcription field.  Kristie also spent much of her time with her dog “Jake” who was considered to be a big part of her daily life.  Kristie was a very special young lady who was loved by all and will be deeply missed by family and friends. 

Survivors include:  Kristie’s parents, Ralph and Dawn Krause Jr.

            1 Brother:  Ralph “Buddy” F. Krause III

            Paternal Grandparents:  Ralph (Theresa) Krause Sr. of Bark River, MI

            Maternal Grandparents:  Wallace (Edith) Gasman of Gladstone, MI

            Aunt and Uncles:  Howard (Ingrid) Gasman of Crystal Falls, MI, Ralph (Debra) Kivela and Robert (Lori) Krause all of Gladstone, MI, William (Jean) Gasman, William (Jeanne) Woodbury, Donald (Betty) Krause and Keith (Karen) Lippens all of Escanaba, MI and Todd (Lori) Simpson of Menominee, MI.

Kristie was preceded in death by her great grandmother, Rose Rudden

Family will receive friends on Saturday from 4:00PM to 6:30PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Kristie K. Krause will follow visitation, at 6:30PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, with Rev. Fr. Michael Steber of the St. Anne Catholic Church officiating.  Luncheon will follow funeral services at the St. Anne Parish Hall in Escanaba.  Committal will be in the Ford River Township Cemetery.  A memorial service has been scheduled for Wednesday February 8, 2006, at 3:30PM, at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, in Battle Creek, to continue paying respect to the life of Kristie Krause, for family and friends in the Battle Creek area.  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Krause Family with arrangements.