Mr. Rudolf "Rudy" Krause

Mr. Rudolf “Rudy” Krause, age 72, of Statham, entered into eternal rest, peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 

Mr. Krause retired from MCI Telecommunications after years of devoted service. During his tenure at MCI, he was credited as a lead engineer and built the internet system in downtown Atlanta. After his retirement at MCI, he went to work for Johns Manville as a Mechanic.

Before the workforce, he faithfully served in the United States Air Force.

Mr. Krause was a member of the American Legion Post #163 (Statham) and a member of Bethlehem Church. He was known for his larger-than-life personality. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He never walked into a room that he didn’t light up. Rudy would talk to anybody; He never met a stranger, having the gift of making everyone he met feel like a friend.

He is remembered best as a loving husband to Debi, a father to Valerie, and a grandfather to his two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Robert Allen Krause and Anni Balzer Krause and his brother, Hans Urgen Krause.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife, Debi Krause of 52 years, Statham; daughter, Valerie (Shane) Lancaster, Winder; siblings, John Wesley Krause (Michelle), TN, Robert Edward Krause (Brenda), TX, Thomas Patrick Krause, Augusta; grandchildren, Rachel Ann Lancaster and Thomas Jack Lancaster.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Bethlehem Church (HWY 53). Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held at 4:00 with Pastor Stephen Perry officiating. After services are concluded, a reception will be held and will be open to friends and family at Bethlehem Church. 

Per request of Mr. Krause, there will a private graveside service at Barrow Memorial Gardens with Military Honors rendered- serving faithfully in the United States Air Force.

The family respectfully request in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to Bethlehem Church, 985 Hog Mountain Road Winder, Georgia 30680.

Maddox Memorial Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.