Kent Rickard Krauss

Kent Rickard Krauss, of O’Fallon, MO, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at the age of 65, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Beloved husband of Susan Kay Krauss (Wilson); cherished son of the late Kenneth and Melba Krauss; son-in-law of Doris and the late Fred Wilson; father of Rachel Travers and Rebecca Krauss; father-in-law to Nick Travers; grandfather of Matthew Travers; loving cousin and friend to many. Kent is also survived by his close friends Keith Appling and Robert O’Shaunessy.

Kent proudly and honorably served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he met friends who would become like brothers to him, soldiers he inspired with his faith. He helped them to grow spiritually, showing them ways to expand their relationships with God. After his deployment, Kent worked at Raltson Purina, Edward Jones, and AG Edwards as a computer systems operator.

Faith was of utmost importance to Kent and was evident throughout his life. He was active in evangelism at Grace Lutheran Chapel, where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. When the family moved to St. Charles and joined Zion Lutheran Church, he continued working in Sunday School and served as an elder. Kent was also a staunch supporter of Lutheran High, and was at the groundbreaking for its current location.

Kent’s willingness to help others was one of his most respected qualities. He was truly the epitome of “giving the shirt off his back,” yet he remained humble, never giving for recognition but simply for the joy of giving. He was kind and gracious to everyone he met, a trait he carried with him throughout his life, including during his time at McClay Senior Living. Kent never left a room without expressing his gratitude, always offering a heartfelt “thank you.”

Kent loved traveling with his family, and some of his favorite destinations included Germany, Colorado, and Las Vegas. He could be found watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island, M*A*S*H, Star Trek, and The Three Stooges. A voracious reader, Kent frequently read multiple books at the same time.

Kent was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Kent’s name to Lutheran High School of St. Charles County.