Obituary of Kenneth A. Kraushaar

Kenneth A. Kraushaar Southbury, CT – Formerly of Pine Bush, NY Kenneth A Kraushaar passed away September 7, 2021. He was 99 years young. Kenneth was born to Anton and Ruth Kraushaar in Perth Amboy, NJ. His brother, Allister Kraushaar predeceased him in February 1998. Ken loved the outdoors. He spent many years hunting, camping, and guiding canoe trips in the Adirondack Mountains. As a young man he flew small engine airplanes including a seaplane on the Hudson River. Ken was a WWII veteran serving in the US Navy on the YMS 20 Minesweeper in the Mediterranean. He also served in the Korean War aboard the USS Noxubee tanker. He worked most of his life for IBM as an Engineer in Development. After retirement from IBM, he started building model ships that took over a year to build. The work was extremely intricate with hand-sewn sails, extensive rigging, multiple decks and tiny cannons. Over the years he built more than 20 models including the US Navy YMS 20 Minesweeper from memory, a “Coconut Boat'' for the Naugatuck Historical Society and a replica of a Coast Guard Destroyer that is displayed at the American Legion Hall in Pine Bush, NY. He is a life-long member of the American Legion Post 1308 in Pine Bush, NY. He volunteered for their many activities including parades, memorial grave salutes and more. Ken enjoyed helping others and meeting people. He had a knack for making people laugh with his silly sense of humor. His loyalty and caring nature earned him life-long friendships he enjoyed over his 99 years of life. In September 2000, Ken married his long-time dear friend Marie Stirk (predeceased in 2017). They spent their time square dancing and traveling the US. Ken is survived by his daughter, Sharon Williams and son-in-law Bobby Williams; granddaughters: Dayna Rivera and husband Felix; Jamie Arididon and husband Craig; Aubrie Cressaty and husband Joe; great grandchildren: Logan Sink, Lyric Sink, Avett Cressaty, Oliver Cressaty. He is also survived by Marie’s daughter, Linda Michael Goodrich and husband David of Arizona and her son, Mark Stirk of Arizona. Family statement reads: “Dear Dad aka GPa, we thank you for always being there for us throughout life. We appreciate your kind, caring, playful nature. For showing us what it means to work hard, how to be both strong & gentle, and sharing your appreciation for nature. We thank you for all the wonderful stories you shared and the memories we created. Love you always.” Thank you to all the friends & family who so graciously gave of their hearts caring for Ken. A special thanks to the staff at River Glen Health Center his second home over the last 8 yrs. He enjoyed working on his boat and his routine socializing with all the staff including his friends at reception. We sincerely thank his nurses who devoted their time caring for him with attentiveness, respect and compassion through the end of his life. Visitation will be held on Friday September 17, 2021 from 10am-12pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush NY. Words of Remembrance will take place at 12pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at New Prospect Cemetery. To leave an online condolence please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com