Barbara Nadine Janson Krause

Barbara Nadine Janson Krause was born in 1935 in Homewood, Illinois, and was taken to her eternal home in heaven on September 12, 2024 at the age of 89. She passed peacefully of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication to her family.  She is now joyfully reunited with her husband of 35 years, Keith Edwin Krause; her son, Michael (MK) Evan Krause; her brother, Dr. Richard Janson; and her parents, Roy William Janson and Violet Krafjack Janson.

Barbara’s life was rich with love, devotion, and perseverance. 
Growing up in Homewood alongside her brother and sister, she cultivated a lifelong passion for sewing and needlework, hobbies that brought her much joy. Also, a lifelong lover of books, Barbara could often be found with two or three novels in progress at the same time, immersing herself in stories and knowledge.

After high school, her father encouraged her to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder where she blossomed. Radiant in both beauty and spirit, Barbara was crowned on two separate occasions, as CU Freshman Queen runner-up and Queen of Engineering. Her sweet singing voice charmed those around her, even unknowingly entertaining her neighbors with melodies from her apartment. 

She pursued her studies with the same grace she brought to all aspects of her life, studying in the arts and sciences before meeting the man she would marry, Keith Krause. They married, and together they built a family grounded in love, humor, and tradition. Both Keith and Barbara cultivated a love of music and singing in their children that has carried on through the generations. Barbara especially instilled in her children the importance of living a life centered on faith in God.

Barbara was a mother beyond compare. She dedicated herself fully to her children and her quiet strength shone brightly through the love and support she gave each of her children, Michael, Katie, Tom, and Rick, always ensuring their upbringing was marked by unconditional love, stability, and cherished traditions. Her insistence on family dinners every night created lasting memories and fostered a deep bond among her family members. She would humbly deny this, but her cooking skills were outstanding and included favorite recipes that the family continues to enjoy at many family gatherings to this day.

Her faith was an unwavering pillar of her life. As a devout Catholic, she found comfort and strength in her relationship with God, particularly during life’s trials. The loss of her husband Keith in 1991 and her son Michael in 2005 were profound challenges, but Barbara faced them with strength, grace, faith, and courage, always remaining a source of comfort for her family.

In 1971, Barbara began a career as an office assistant, balancing her professional life with her role as a devoted mother. She worked at Burbank Jr. High School in Boulder, remaining close to her children, and later moved on to the University of Colorado, where she worked in several departments including the College of Music, the College of Psychology, and then finishing her career with several years in the Office of the President.  She proudly and admirably retired from CU in 1996. 

Just two weeks before her passing, Barbara received a final blessing through the “Sacrament of the Sick”, administered by Father Michael of St Francis Cabrini Parish in Littleton, CO, in a beautiful ceremony and prayer gathering surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  It was a precious time of grace, as Barbara, fully present and radiant, shared a sacred moment with her loved ones and expressed that she was at peace, knowing she would soon be going to her heavenly home. 

Barbara is survived by her sister Karen Lorraine, her children Katie Krause Brady (Brad), Tom Krause, and Rick Krause (Kim Penton). She was a cherished grandmother to five grandchildren, Christie (Brandon), Courtney, Hayes, Avery, and Bree, and two great-grandsons, Sage and River. In addition, she will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephew, Carol Janson Bond, Sonja Janson Holzman, and Richard Franklin Yoder Janson.

A private service to honor Barbara’s life will be held in Boulder, CO on Friday, September 27th.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara J Krause’s name to Brighton Hospice, 8055 E. Tufts Ave., Ste 700, Denver, CO 80237. 

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