Jean L. Krause of Laurel, MT, formerly of Lavina, MT, left us to be with her Lord on
August 5, 2020, at the age of 85 after several months of illness.

She was born in Roundup, MT on December 17, 1934, third child to Thornton and
Nellie Pickens. Grade school years were spent in Roundup, but she graduated from
Flathead County High School in Kalispell. She subsequently got a two-year teaching
degree from Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings).

Jean met her husband of 49 years, Emil H. Krause at a dance at Cozy Corner in Lavina,
and they were married on June 6, 1954. Jean was a city girl that had to get used to
country farm life but adapted well. Their union was blessed with son, Dale, in May of
1955, and daughter Nina, in August of 1956. In addition to being a farm wife and
mother, Jean was a member of the Belmont Extension Homemakers Club, volunteered
for activities in the Lavina Community, and helped with 4-H activities, judging, and 4-H
council while the kids were in 4-H. She was also an organist for the Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church for 43 years, and she held the position of Lavina School District Clerk
for 20 years until retiring in 1995. She also served as president of the Lavina Senior
Citizens. After Emil's passing in 2003, Jean moved to Laurel to be closer to daughter,
Nina, her husband Alden Gonzalez, and their daughter Heather.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Emil Krause, parents, Thornton, and Nellie
Pickens, son-in law, Alden Gonzalez, and infant siblings, Dorothy, and Charles. She is
survived by son, Dale Krause and Lorna (Watson) of Fort Benton, MT; daughter, Nina
Gonzalez, of Laurel, MT; granddaughter, Heather Gonzalez, of Laurel, MT;
granddaughter, LaRae Krause and sons, Ryder and Raylan, of Fort Benton, MT;
granddaughter, Lindsey Gibson and husband, Bryan, of Kearney, MO; and grandson,
Logan Krause, wife Kimber, and sons Liam and Layton, of Helena, MT.

Jean will be greatly missed by those who knew her best. Her kind heart and giving spirit
were truly a blessing.

Visitation will be held from 2-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Smith West Chapel, 304 34th Street West.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2020, at the
Lavina Methodist Church, with interment following at Lavina Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.