Thomas (Tom) James Krause, 82, passed away February 22, 2025, at Rennes East in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. The son of Ervin and Ethel (McDougal) Krause was born on June 11, 1942, in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin.
Tom was a graduate of Coleman High School with the class of 1960. Following high school, he joined the National Guard and was called up for active duty with the US Army. As a young man he worked for Chadwick Manufacturing Company and Fort Howard Paper Company. Later purchasing Coleman Lumber and Fuel Company with his business partner, William Krueger. For most of his adult life he resided in Salida, Colorado and Quartzsite, Arizona along with many summers in Montana. He was the original American Picker buying, selling and trading his way across the US.
As the most colorful character you likely ever met, Tom lived life on his own terms. He had a wide variety of interests that included storytelling, motorcycling, gun collecting, tattooing, antiquing and hot rodding.
Survivors include daughters Cheryl, Karma, Brenda and Nora; grandchildren Brittney, Dakota, Alexia and Robbi; brother Mike (Debbie); nephews John and Jeff; and his motley crew of cherished friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Irish Greens Golf Course, 2946 Logtown Road, Oconto, WI 54153 on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 1 - 4 PM. Let's do this "Dad Style" HOT RODS AND HARLEYS Feel free to take your Hot Rod or Harley for a ride to Oconto or simply come dressed in dads favorite attire: Harley Davidson, Jack Daniels, or come as you are with some good (or not so good) stories to share!
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Rennes East, Unity Hospice and Rhodes Charapata for compassionate care given to Tom.
