- Born on: February 20, 1971
- Departed on: May 21, 2025
- Resided in: Chelsea, IA
Kenneth Michael Meier Kraus
Kenneth Michael Meier-Kraus (Ken), 54 years old, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Ken was born on February 20, 1971, in Monticello, Iowa, to Carl and June (Smith) Kraus. He graduated in 1989 from the Western Dubuque School District, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Truman University (where his love for the St. Louis Blues began). Ken went on to build a long and dedicated career at TransAmerica, where he was employed for over two decades. After the pandemic, he often joked about his enviable “13-step commute,” a testament to the comfort he found in working from home and the life he built there.
Ken is survived by his wife, Pamela Meier-Kraus; parents, June and Carl Kraus; brother, Andy (Janet) Kraus; in-laws, Rod and Doris Meier; and sisters in-law, Linda (Tracy) Stoner, Bonny Olson, and Becky (Jim) Meier-Gast. He was a proud uncle to Natasha, Taylin, Jordana, Jacey, Cian, Brynn, Wren, and Grace; and an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, with whom he shared a life filled with laughter, companionship, and mutual adoration. Ken cherished their time together above all else. Whether relaxing at home or working side-by-side at her family’s farm, their bond was the center of his world. He found great joy in spending time with his nieces and nephews—those moments brought him endless pride and happiness.
A true musicophile with an ear for detail and a love for progressive rock, Ken especially admired the band Rush. Music and movies were more than just a hobby—it was part of how he connected with the world around him. At home, he delighted in spoiling his eight cats—particularly his favorites SweetPea and Jake.
Ken’s warmth, wit, and unwavering loyalty will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His quiet and steady presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. Ken didn’t feel the need to be the loudest voice in the room, and when he spoke people listened because of his insightful thoughts, observations, and opinions. He was patient, kind, and loving, and the light of the world is dimmer with his absence.
Ken will be forever missed by his family and friends. May his memory bring peace to those who mourn him and inspiration to those who carry forward–a legacy that lives on in the hearts of his loved ones. Celebration of life services will be held at a later date.
Ken was born on February 20, 1971, in Monticello, Iowa, to Carl and June (Smith) Kraus. He graduated in 1989 from the Western Dubuque School District, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Truman University (where his love for the St. Louis Blues began). Ken went on to build a long and dedicated career at TransAmerica, where he was employed for over two decades. After the pandemic, he often joked about his enviable “13-step commute,” a testament to the comfort he found in working from home and the life he built there.
Ken is survived by his wife, Pamela Meier-Kraus; parents, June and Carl Kraus; brother, Andy (Janet) Kraus; in-laws, Rod and Doris Meier; and sisters in-law, Linda (Tracy) Stoner, Bonny Olson, and Becky (Jim) Meier-Gast. He was a proud uncle to Natasha, Taylin, Jordana, Jacey, Cian, Brynn, Wren, and Grace; and an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, with whom he shared a life filled with laughter, companionship, and mutual adoration. Ken cherished their time together above all else. Whether relaxing at home or working side-by-side at her family’s farm, their bond was the center of his world. He found great joy in spending time with his nieces and nephews—those moments brought him endless pride and happiness.
A true musicophile with an ear for detail and a love for progressive rock, Ken especially admired the band Rush. Music and movies were more than just a hobby—it was part of how he connected with the world around him. At home, he delighted in spoiling his eight cats—particularly his favorites SweetPea and Jake.
Ken’s warmth, wit, and unwavering loyalty will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His quiet and steady presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. Ken didn’t feel the need to be the loudest voice in the room, and when he spoke people listened because of his insightful thoughts, observations, and opinions. He was patient, kind, and loving, and the light of the world is dimmer with his absence.
Ken will be forever missed by his family and friends. May his memory bring peace to those who mourn him and inspiration to those who carry forward–a legacy that lives on in the hearts of his loved ones. Celebration of life services will be held at a later date.
