Eugene Alvin Krause, 78, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Medford Senior Care.

He was born January 5, 1945 in Medford, to Alvin and Elizabeth (Johnson) Krause. Gene grew up there before graduating from Medford High School as a member of the 1963 class. He worked many different jobs over the years as a quarry driver, septic system designer and inspector for Loken Drainage, but ultimately started Hole-In-One Amusements and travelled all over Minnesota and Iowa to fairs and events. Eugene was the president of the Solo Parent Club and that is where he met his wife, Janet Frette. The couple were later united in marriage on July 1, 1983 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. The family relocated to Owatonna, then later retired to the family century farm in Medford. Eugene and Janet were able to celebrate 40 years together.

Eugene was known as a tinkerer and a jack of all trades, as he could creatively fix anything. His love of tractors led to a collection of "everything" tractors, including toys and books, and never missed a threshing show. Gene loved to have coffee with his friends and was a social butterfly wherever he would go. He and his wife loved to winter in Florida, and they liked to surprise their family with day trips and adventures. He made fast friends all along the way and could have a conversation with anyone. He always took the road less travelled with his loved ones in tow.

He is survived by his wife Janet Krause of Medford; children, Judy (Scott) Hvamstad, Jon Frette, Michelle Krause (Donnie) Smith, Karen (Travis) Asplund, Lisa (Kris) Kopitzke, Kathy (Corey) Frette; grandchildren, Erin, Janina, Trista, Tierney, Nicholas, Madison, Noah, Aiden, Sabrina, Bennett, Kieran, Nash, Connery; great-grandchildren, Tiago, Noah, Hudson, Willow, Dalia, Vinny; sister, Judy Krause; and countless friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Elizabeth "Libby" Krause; brother Louie Reynolds.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12th, 2023 at 11AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Medford.