Wulf K. Krause

Wulf Karl Krause, age 80, of Winona, and formerly of St. Cloud, MN, died Friday, August 29, 2025, at Saint Anne Extended Healthcare, following a life full of achievements and adventure.

Wulf was born January 11, 1945, in Eisleben-Helfta, East Germany, to Hermann and Gretchen (Roessger) Krause. In the fall of 1954, Wulf and his parents escaped Soviet occupied East Germany and emigrated to the United States. He arrived for his first day of school at St. Martin’s Lutheran School in Winona, MN, wearing leather pants (lederhosen). A self-described “loner” and not speaking any English, the adjustment was difficult at first. However, several close school and neighborhood friends quickly took him in, including Bill Tews, Gary Addington, Marty Farrell, Tony Kreitzer, and, later, John Prigge, from school at St. Matthew’s. Wulf had many fond memories with these friends, playing basketball with chain nets on the Madison School playground. Wulf treasured the game of basketball and led the league in scoring near the end of his senior year of high school. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1963, where he still holds a record for most free throws made in a game without a miss.

Wulf continued his basketball path at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he played for Whitey Skoog, inventor of the jump shot. He graduated from Gustavus in 1967, but was an intransigent Gustie athletics fan for all the years that came after.

Following college, knowing he would be drafted, Wulf enlisted in Officer Candidate School. His time serving in the Army was spent in Public Relations in Werzberg, West Germany. While there, friend Dave Heise drove a newly purchased 1969 Triumph TR6 from England to visit Wulf. In the year succeeding discharge, Wulf roamed Western Europe and spent much time as a beach bum on the Balearic Islands, Spain.

Wulf went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Rehab Counseling from Mankato State University in 1972. On June 24, 1972, he married Pauline Wantoch at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, and they moved to Milwaukee, where he completed his graduate work at DePaul Hospital Rehabilitation. While working as a rehab counselor for Curative Workshop, he earned a Master’s in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee in 1978. In 1980, he started his career as a clinical social worker for the St. Cloud VA Hospital Inpatient Psych. He was recognized with numerous commendations for outstanding professional performances during his 37 years at the VA, until his retirement in 2006. At that time, he returned to the Winona area.

Wulf loved his family, especially his grandson, MAK, who was the apple of his eye. In his later years, he also enjoyed the friendships he made while playing cards and golfing, keeping a close eye on national politics, the WNBA, PGA, LPGA, NCAA basketball, and most other sports events.

He is survived by his wife Pauline; a daughter Karla (Nathan) Krause-Wohlfeil; a son Marcus (Katy) Krause, and a grandson MAK, Cumming, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers-in-law, and a sister-in-law.

Memorial Services will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home in Winona. A gathering will begin at 2:00, followed by sharing of memories and military honors at 3:00.

In remembrance of Wulf, please consider becoming a volunteer driver for the DAV of Southeast MN.