Steven "Steve" P. Krause

Sun Prairie - Steven Philip Krause, age 71 of Sun Prairie, WI told his last fishing story on February 18, 2026 at home, surrounded by family. He leaves behind a legacy as vast as the great outdoors he loved so much. If you look up the word warrior, Steve’s picture lays beside it. A man with 9 lives, Steve saw it all. He was one of the early kidney transplant patients at UW Hospital back in the 1970’s which was lovingly donated by his late sister Susan. His health care journey started much too early in life, but Steve never complained, not once.

Born on November 16, 1954, Steve’s happy place was spending time on the lake at their cabin in Winter, WI, perfecting his fishing cast, or taking in the peace and quiet of the woods when hunting. Family gatherings and partaking in his kids and grandkid’s lives were his greatest joys. He always made time for the most important things in life.

An avid outdoorsman and master craftsman, he lived life with a hands-on, curious spirit. It’s safe to say there wasn’t anything Steve couldn’t make, build, or design. His craftsmanship lives on in the numerous keepsakes made for loved ones including furniture, cabinetry, toys, knives, planters, gardens, and so much more. These are treasures we hold dear, and they will continue to remind us of his patience, talent, and devotion. A self-taught photographer, he will be fondly remembered as the one at family gatherings with a camera (or two) in hand, moving around unassuming on the periphery, capturing life’s most special moments. He had an eye for wildlife and nature and many of his photos are award worthy.

Those who spent time with Steve would say he was a quiet man in nature, but a true comedian through and through with clever and witty humor You didn’t know if he was joking or serious as he had an unmatched poker face. No matter what your relationship with Steve, you were always in the presence of a true listener. He listened so much more than he spoke, and he was someone you could always count on to show up.

It is no wonder Steve’s career required creativity, patience, and compassion. He worked as an orthotist for UW Hospital and later for Aljan Company. His reputation was so remarkable people traveled far and wide for his work. He would stay late, come in early, or come in on his day off to meet a patient in need. His devotion to his work was akin to his devotion to his loved ones. He took pride in the important work he did to make people’s lives better and remain as independent as possible. We are taught to leave this world a better place and make a difference and Steve certainly did. He was and always will be our Big Fish.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; children Carrie (Bob) Kniprath, Ryan (Katie) Krause, and Erin Krause; grandchildren Sydney, Olivia, Christopher, Colton, Amelia, Clare, and Jack, and great-grandchild Anaveya; siblings Patricia (Dennis) Breunig, Barbara (David) Larsen, Janet Skram, Caroline (Thomas) Andersen, Beverly (Scott) Sevedge, Philip (Rita), James (Terra O'Brien), Paul (Leila), and Jennifer (Sam) El-Banna, as well as and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Joanne Krause, and sister Susan Cuff.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Sunday February 22, 2026 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM until the service at the funeral home on Sunday. A luncheon from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM will be at Johnny’s Italian Steak House, 1220 S. Grand Ave. Sun Prairie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund, Agrace Hospice, or Capital City Chapter Muskies.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com