Emma Kay Krause, 101, of North Platte, formerly of Seward, passed away Sept. 26, 2025, at Linden Court. She was born Oct. 26, 1923, to John and Mary (Hayes) Kelly in Decorah, Iowa.
Kay graduated with the class of 1941 in Cresco, Iowa, and then attended beauty school. She married Robert L. Krause on June 16, 1947, in the World’s Smallest Church in Festina, Iowa. The couple lived in Decorah; Oceanside, California; Alden, Iowa, and ended up settling in Seward in 1969. Kay worked as a beautician her whole career. She moved to North Platte in 2022.
Kay was an excellent mother and grandmother. She gave the grandchildren their first haircuts. Her Catholic faith was very important to her. Kay enjoyed playing bingo and cards with her grandkids as long as she was winning.
Survivors include children, Linda (Kent) Swanson of North Platte, and Richard Lee Krause of North Platte; sister, Mary Jean Urias of Newton, Iowa; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous other family members and friends.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary; husband, Robert; son, Robert Jr.; and brothers, Norbert and John.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswansn.com.
Arrangements by Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte.
