"Running a show is like sailing a ship. Its a lot of work, but the end result is so rewarding." Steven Krause

The family of Steven Krause is saddened to report Steve passed suddenly on March 30, 2020. Steve will be remembered for his big booming voice and infectious laugh. He was a selfless, honest person with a huge heart who would do anything he could for those he cared about. He loved spending time with family, volunteering on the Dennis Sullivan schooner, grilling large amounts of food with his homemade BBQ sauces, and perfecting his technical expertise in the theater. For the past 6 years, Steve was the Performing Arts Director at The Saber Center at Franklin High School. Prior to that, he spent several years in a similar role at Muskego High School. He absolutely loved his work, in fact for him it never really was "work." It was his craft and his passion. The students and coworkers involved in the stage crew and cast of shows were Steve's pride and joy. You could not find someone more dedicated to his craft and passionate about sharing those skills with his students, who he always referred to as his "kids." His enthusiasm for theater was contagious. Those that knew him well will remember Steve for his great sense of humor and a deep, complete love for the theater and everything that went along with it. Some of the proudest moments of his life consisted of watching and directing the technical aspects of the shows put on by his students, staff, and community. He could talk endlessly about any of the lighting fixtures or cable types in the Saber Center, why he chose them, why he liked them so much, and follow it up with another story or two in the process. He was patient and understanding. His absence will be deeply felt in the school, the community and by his family. Steve is survived by his siblings: Marta Krause of Wauwatosa, Jane (Dan Zierke) of Stevens Point, Larry Krause of Union Grove; nieces and nephew: Piper Meade, Elizabeth Zierke Puhl (Adam Puhl), Pam Zierke, Mark Zierke (Lauren Mack); and great nephews: Alex and Zach Puhl. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Gib and Marilyn Krause, and brother-in-law Gary Meade.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to continuing to support local arts and live theater. His family has set up a GoFundMe page in Steve's name. The link is included below. Steve would be overjoyed to know that the next time anyone who knew him enjoyed a show, they took a moment to think of him. https://www.gofundme.com/f/steve-krause-memorial-fund

Below please find a small sampling of anecdotes and memories shared by colleagues and students: I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Krause. Throughout high school, there were a multitude of things that drew me to performing. The people, the fun memories, the laughs. But the most important? The atmosphere. An atmosphere that was created by the way that Steve ran the show. An atmosphere that allowed high school students to participate in high-class productions ranging from music to theatre and everything in between. During this pressing time, it's difficult to digest this type of news because it almost doesn't feel real. When I think of Mr. Krause, I gravitate towards the time when it was a late night during tech week for Fiddler. I made the mistake of running across the cyc which Mr. Krause had vehemently told us not to. All of the sudden, we all hear his booming voice over the loudspeakers. "STOP RUNNING ACROSS THE CYC," and I froze. I was terrified. However, what happened after that night was a character trait Steve extended to everyone. I came up to him and apologized for breaking the rules, and immediately without hesitation, he forgave me. We laughed about it and from that moment on, I continued to joke around with Mr. Krause about it, and we came to get to know each other. At this time it just doesn't seem like things get easier, but we can all take solace in the face that he's in a better place. Rest in peace Mr. Krause. ~ Parker R., FHS Class of 2017

The story that always pops into my mind whenever I think about Mr. Krause took place a few weeks after the Broadway Concert last year. There's an ongoing joke about the song Johanna from Sweeney Todd (which we'd performed at the Broadway Concert) being sung with the lyrics "I'll peel you, banana." Me, Alyssa, Grace, and Tori were joking around in the music wing and jokingly singing it. Mr. Krause came out of the Saber Center and walked over to us when he heard us singing. He commented on how he loved that song and we explained the joke to him. After a couple moments of contemplation he started singing in a deep, bellowing voice "I'll peel you banana" and then turned to us and said "I like it!" I only wish I would've had the chance to get to know him better. We have his professionalism and dedication to thank for our amazing Saber Center he ran and our outstanding stage crew that he trained. I can only dream to have as much passion in my future career as he had in his. I cannot wait for the next time we get to perform in the Saber Center and when the lights go down, we will get to hear "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Saber Center of Performing Arts…" ~ Isabelle W., FHS Class of 2021

Over the past 5 years, my relationship with Mr. Krause has grown. From a teacher, to a boss, then a mentor. Then, after high school, he became a wonderful friend. I have so many wonderful memories with him, more than I can count. He helped shape me into the person I am today. I was just a quiet freshman when I first met him. In Stage Crew he would tell us what we needed to do in the most technical terms that we sometimes didn't understand. He would start preparing for the next thing, and we would all look at each other and try to put together whatever he asked of us. Together, we got most of it done, but it wasn't quite right. He'd come over and show us what he meant and we'd laugh and learn the next cool thing. Years followed full of inside jokes among our crew, countless new skills, and many new memories. In my junior year of high school, Mr. Krause had gone to the hospital. Even though he wasn't with us, we still had to continue with rehearsal and run a big show the next day. He gave me the opportunity to lead the Stage Crew and do his part in the show. I was so nervous I couldn't do it as well as he could. But he had so much faith in me, and if he had faith, then I would have faith. He helped me grow into a leader, he helped me out of my shell. I owe my success to him. My senior year I started to fully understand what he was trying to say when he gave us something to do. The crew would look at me and I'd translate it to them, in English. The last couple days of high school were bittersweet. They were very fun with Mr. Krause, but sad at the same time. We took a final tour of the theater, asked him a few final questions, and shared some laughs. On our last day, we walked into his office with a heavy heart. We didn't want to say goodbye. After 4 years, we wouldn't see each other next fall. He said he was proud of the people we had become. The hardest thing about the next year was not being around to see Eric and me every day. This whole conversation was said among tears. I have hundreds of more stories. But I will always miss the little things about him. I'll miss the giant Sam's Club tub of pretzels that were always in the scene shop, I'll miss his turn of phrase. I'll miss the way he smiled when he talked about his new truck. I love how much he visited and cared for his mother when she was still with us. I love his singing voice. He had a voice like velvet. It was so deep and filled the room, and you couldn't help but smile when you heard it. I love that he was a sailor. He showed us his boat, The Discovery World Ship that he helped build. He gave us a tour of it. When we came back from Italy, Eric and I bought him a very nice compass. Some of the little things people do are often called imperfections or quirks, but that is all the good stuff. They are the best part about a human being. We get to decide whom we show them to and whom we let into our worlds, and I'm so ever grateful to be let into his. He meant so much to me. He has been asking us to call him Steve now that we have graduated, but I couldn't possibly do that. I have too much respect for him. He will always Mr. Krause. Here's to you, Steve Krause, and everything you are to us. Forever. ~ Lillian N., Class of 2019

Over the 11 years we worked together, we shared a lot of good times. Steve was an incredibly kind and caring person with a tremendous work ethic. Every time someone drove past the MHS PAC, his truck would be parked there and his office light was on. His work was his passion and he loved it. He brought everyone up that was around him. We shared a lot of fabulous concerts, musicals and other productions together and I will always be appreciative for Steve demonstrating what it meant to be a professional. I will miss you my friend. God can take a break and let you handle his voice overs for a while. I hope they have lots of clipboards for you in Heaven. Rest in Peace. -Jamie Beckman, Band Director, Muskego High School

I will never forget how proud Steve was of his Stage Crew. He talked about how important working with the students was to him during his interview and he definitely followed through on that. So many students benefited from Steve's contributions to Franklin Public Schools. From the every kindergarten student who stood in the spotlight to every graduating senior who performed and now has hopes of continuing in theater. It is so hard not to say goodbye to Steve. So I am saying it now. Thank you Steve, for all you have done for Franklin Public Schools. You will always be part of who we are and we will remember you each time we enter the Saber Center. Goodbye Steve. - Judy Mueller, District Administrator, Franklin Public Schools