Joseph George Kraus, age 76 of Monroe, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in his home with his family at his side due to complications since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2011.

Born September 27, 1949 in Monroe, Joe was the son of the late Roland and Jeanette (Zeemer) Kraus. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1967 and married Sandra Kay Havens on May 1, 1971 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Together they raised two children.

Joe had a long career as a truck mechanic and equipment supervisor for Jones Transfer, City of Monroe, and FedEx, retiring on November 11, 2011.

Joe was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Parish in Ida, MI and the Kiwanis Club of Monroe. He was an avid fan of Ford vehicles and attending car shows. In his younger years, Joe enjoyed drag racing in his 1964 ½ Mustang at Milan Dragway.

Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandy Kraus; son, Thomas Joseph Kraus of Erie, MI; daughter, Janice Mary Kraus of Monroe; two sisters, Bonnie Kraus of Jackson, MI and Marie (Tom) Davis of Monroe.

Visitation for Joe will be from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6th at St. Gabriel Catholic Parish (8295 Van Aiken St., Ida, MI 48140). Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. Christopher Muer followed by continued time of fellowship in the Parish Social Hall. Private burial will be attended by the family at Roselawn Memorial Park. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Gabby’s Grief Center.