Eugene Kraus, July 26, 2022

Beloved son of the late Morris and Francis (nee Kalishman) Kraus; devoted husband for over 65 years to Joan (nee Miller); cherished father to Jeffrey (Jocey) Kraus, Judy (David) Grand; loving grandfather of Bradley (Polly) Kraus, Grant Kraus, and Hayley (Brad) Blum, Coby (Arielle) Grand, Ryan Grand and Gabe Grand; adoring great-grandfather of Bond and Teddy Kraus and Noa Grand. Dear brother to Myrna and the late Jerry Sokolik; dear brother-in-law to the late Alice (nee Miller) and Sam Riezman and the late Donald and late Merle (nee Kalishman) Miller; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Born in St. Louis, Gene graduated from University City High School and went on to Washington University. He met Joanie at a ZBT fraternity party. They were later married in 1956.

Gene started Kraus Clothing, his wholesale men’s discount clothing store, from the basement of his house. Over 40 years he grew it to 3 retail stores along with a wholesale operation. He loved the customers and schmoozing with them. Many became friends over the years.

His pride and joy was his family. He spent many hours watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Nothing pleased him more than taking his grandchildren to various restaurants and introducing them to new foods. He was their biggest cheerleader. He loved taking his family on wonderful vacations, creating lifetime memories.

He loved to reminisce about his youth. How he was an usher for the St. Louis Browns and how he played stickball with his neighborhood friends, many of whom he stayed close to for his entire life.

He enjoyed listening to Sinatra, playing bridge with Joanie and their friends, watching the football Cardinals, reading mystery books, going to the casino, and ordering a good cold martini up and dry.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 28 at Congregation Temple Israel. Internment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry or the charity of your choice. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE