Janet Dorothy Krauss' Obituary
Janet Dorothy Utter Krauss, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, entered eternal life with her Savior on May 25, 2026.
Janet was born on November 21, 1941, in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, to Dorothy and Harry Utter. She was raised in Fair Lawn and graduated from Fair Lawn High School. Her love for children and learning led her to pursue further education, earning an Early Childhood Certificate from Delta College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
On June 16, 1962, Janet married the love of her life, Edward Krauss. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service to others. Over the years they made homes in Belvidere, Illinois; Mt. Pleasant, Essexville, and Ann Arbor, Michigan; and later St. Petersburg and Seminole, Florida.
Janet was a gifted educator and nurturer. She developed, opened, and directed the preschool at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Essexville, Michigan, where she lovingly impacted the lives of countless children and families. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she was faithfully involved in every church community she joined. She participated in LWML, Hope Seeds, food bank ministries, Veterans of the Cross, and many other service organizations. Janet also helped organize the school support team and served as a welcoming morning greeter at Christ the King Lutheran School.
Janet had a servant’s heart and rarely sat still. She loved caring for others and was known as an incredible hostess who made everyone feel welcome and loved. She enjoyed playing board games and card games with family and friends, sewing clothes for her children when they were young, and creating quilts and handmade crafts that became treasured gifts for many.
Above all, Janet loved Jesus deeply, and her family finds comfort and peace in knowing she is now in heaven with her Creator and Savior.
Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Edward ; her children, David , Kathleen (Steve), and Sharon (Allen); her grandchildren, Samantha (Drew), Anthony (Rachel), and Timothy; her great-grandchildren, Tyler and Samson; and her sister, Barbara.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Timothy.
Janet’s life was a beautiful example of faith, kindness, generosity, and love for family and community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She was also a big Ray’s fan, hopefully they will win it all this year.
Memorial donations can be made in her honor to Christ the King Christian School, The Lutheran Hour Ministries or the charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5750 49th Street North, St Petersburg on Friday, May 29th from 6-8pm.
Another Visitation will take place 10am Saturday, May 30th at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11220 Oakhurst Rd, Largo with Memorial Services to follow at 11am. Friends and family are welcome to gather after the Service for refreshments and fellowship.
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