Leo Anthony Kraus

Leo Anthony Kraus, 92, of Boonville, Missouri passed away on July 15, 2025.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Leo was one of six children born to Daniel Frank Kraus and Frances Kathryn Kraus in Clear Creek, MO on June 24th 1933.

On May 14th, 1960, Leo married the love of his life, Rosemary (Tootsie) McGuire at St. Martin Catholic Church, Martinsville, MO. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Dorothy McCormick (Dennis), Shari Kraus, and Julie Murray (Dewayne).

In addition to Rosemary, their three daughters and their spouses, Leo is survived by grandchildren: Kahla, Nolan Murray (Elsa), Ashley Hamblen and Alyssa Gerlach; great grandchildren: Dyllan Hamblen, Porter, Leo and Ella Rose Murray, and Finley Gerlach; sister- in- law Thelma Kraus, sister- in- law Linda Knife (Larry) and brother-in-law James McGuire (Marilyn); andnumerous nieces and nephews.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold Kraus and Delphinus Kraus;  sisters Elizabeth Norman, Ethel Schoen and Rita Stone; also, great grandson Jace Hamblen.

Leo led a busy active life.  He graduated from Pilot Grove High School in 1951.  He was a highly regarded employee of Burkle Motors and Rick Ball Ford. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Boonville, Mo.  He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Leo worked hard with Rosemary to provide a happy and healthy home for their girls. Leo spent many hours with all his girls fishing, boating and camping. He made his own beer in the basement of their home on Sycamore Street, where an occasional “pop” could be heard when something went a little wrong.  This hobby came to an end when Rosemary decided they should move to a new home with no basement.

In his retirement, Leo took on tamer hobbies such as bike riding, embroidery, hand quilting and puzzles.  His favorite pastime was mowing, which he continued even as he approached his 92nd birthday.

Anyone who knew Leo recognized his strength and determination.  There was no task he would not tackle.  He was talented in so many ways. He will be missed.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Boonville with Father Greg Oligschlaeger officiating.  (Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.) Burial will follow at St. Martins Cemetery, Martinsville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Knights of Columbus.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

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