Surrounded by the warmth and love of his family, Jerome Michael Kraus, 84 years old, completed his earthly journey on November 3, 2026.

Jerome’s life journey began on June 28, 1942, at Keidel Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg, Texas. He spent his early childhood years on the Kraus farm before his family moved to San Antonio—a place where he would strengthen his faith, gather cherished memories, and eventually meet the love of his life.

Guided from an early age through his education at St. Ann’s Catholic School and St. Gerard’s Catholic High School, his educational and spiritual path of faith and family was developed. During his high school years, he served as the yearbook and campus photographer, sparking a lifelong passion for capturing life through a camera lens. Throughout his travels, he documented candid moments for fun and photographed weddings for family and friends. He especially loved traveling across the state with family and friends to attend air shows and vintage tractor shows.

The central partnership of his journey began when Jerome met the love of his life, Genny Scheel. Together, they navigated many life adventures and built lasting memories over 63 years of marriage. Over the years, family trips with their four children, extended family, and friends to Rockport, Texas, Goose Island State Park, Camp Riverview, and Bastrop State Park created countless fun times and cherished memories.

Jerome especially loved his trips to the family farm, where he shared many bonding moments at the Kraus Family Farm. He loved relaxing, working on projects around the farm, hunting, and hosting gatherings. Passionate about sharing, teaching, and preserving the Kraus family heritage, Jerome dedicated himself to passing down a lasting legacy that would enable the family to enjoy these memories and create new ones in the years to come. There, immersed in natural beauty, he spent endless hours creating memories with those he loved most.

After high school, Jerome stepped onto a new journey by entering the plumbing trade with the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 142—a dedicated career that spanned over 60 years. Starting as an apprentice, he mastered his craft on projects across San Antonio, Texas, and Arizona, eventually guiding the next generation by teaching night classes to new apprentices. Showcasing his exceptional skills and passion for the trade, Jerome was chosen to represent Local 142 at a state Plumbers and Pipefitters competition by placing third in the entire state.

His thirst for knowledge extended beyond the job site; Jerome returned to school at St. Philip’s College to earn a degree in AutoCAD. Reaching this new milestone, he transitioned into a role as a draftsman for A.J. Monier Service Company before ultimately retiring from the plumber's union to focus on his family.

In the retirement chapter of his journey, Jerome embraced simple pleasures alongside his family. He and Genny embarked on memorable travels, including taking group trips to Poland & Italy with Fr. Frank Kurzaj. At home, he spent his days bird watching, visiting family, spoiling the family cats, working on farm projects, sitting peacefully on the porch at the farm and eating chocolate chip cookies.

Along the way, Jerome served his community as a member of St. Gerard’s Catholic Church, Hermann Sons Harmonia Lodge, St. Margaret Mary’s Men's Club, Boy Scout Troop 177, Boy Scout Wood Badge Beaver Patrol, and as a volunteer with the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Family Fair Committee.

Jerome was preceded in death on his journey by his parents, Louis & Norma Kraus; sister and brother-in-law, Alice & David Ransleben; sister, Agnes Ann Kraus; father- and mother-in-law, B.F. “Bonnie” & Lucy Scheel; and son-in-law, Russell Bielke.

He is survived by his devoted travel partner of 63 years, Genevieve “Genny” Kraus; his children, Andrew Kraus (Sonja), Matthew Kraus, Carol Bielke, and Rene Kraus (Kathleen); his grandchildren, Nathaniel Kraus, Megan Kraus, Thomas Kraus, Michael Kraus, Breann Schwartz (Joseph), Britanee Morales (Alfonzo “Fonzie”); 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends who shared in his life's path.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the Vitas Inpatient Hospice Care Unit at Villa Rosa on Medical Drive for guiding Jerome with love and care at the end of his journey.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Visitation: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Recitation of the Rosary: 7:00pm

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78215

Thursday, November 19, 2026

Celebration of Life Mass:

Final Visitation at the church: 9:00am-10:00am

Funeral Mass: 10:00am

St. Gerard’s Catholic Church

1523 Iowa St., San Antonio, TX 78203

Followed immediately by a reception in the school cafeteria

Burial will then be held at Holy Cross Cemetery at 2:00pm

17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, TX 78266

Note: There will be no official procession; attendees are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.

Memorial Donations:

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerome’s memory to

St. Francis Nursing Home

630 W. Woodlawn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 (210-736-3177) 

www.stfrancisnursinghome.org