Robert "Bob" George Kraushaar

Robert George Kraushaar, age 97, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in his senior living apartment, at St. Therese Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. His family was by his side. Robert “Bob” Kraushaar was born July 16, 1928, to George and Dora (Klukow) Kraushaar in Freeborn County, Minnesota. He grew up with four siblings on the family farm. He graduated from Austin High School in 1950. Right after high school, he joined the Navy. In 1952, he was assigned to the USS Bennington, an aircraft carrier and served during the Korean War. On June 15, 1952, while in the Navy, he married Greta Mae Smith from Parkersburg, West Virginia who was also serving in the Navy. He left the Navy in 1954 and resumed grain and dairy farming. Later in life, he became the business owner and operator of Sterling Car Wash and Midtown Car Wash in Austin, Minnesota. Bob and Greta had seven children and divorced in 1973. Bob enjoyed horseback and trail riding with his children during their years on the farm. On July 2, 1976, he married Carol Morgan at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Every year, Bob looked forward to heading “Up North” for a week’s vacation at the lake with Carol’s family. In the late 80’s after retirement, Bob spent much of his time at Leach Lake, fishing with family and friends. He especially enjoyed celebrating his birthday at the lake with his family. Bob also enjoyed woodworking, making several items including furniture for his home and his children’s homes. Bob loved to play cards and taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to play cribbage, which remains a favorite family game. 

He was a loving father to Sandra Batt, Beverly (Bruce) Baker, Theresa Kraushaar, Mary Hansen, Mike (Jenny) Kraushaar, Jane Byrne, and Patricia McLain and stepchildren, Laurel Boss and Kevin Morgan. Bob had 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, LaVonne Buland; his sister-in-law, Shirley Kraushaar; and brother-in-law, Chet Nelson. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; former wife, Greta; stepdaughter, Christine; two grandsons, Brandon and Grayson; son-in law, Roger; and his siblings, Maxine, Richard, and LeMoyne.

Bob’s family would like to thank his care team from St. Croix Hospice, Cornerstone Caregiving, St. Therese Oxbow Lake and the Brooklyn Park Emergency Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Therese Foundation of Oxbow Lake, the American Legion or the donor’s choice.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.