Kevin Dick Krause, 25
Kevin Dick Krause of North Pole, Alaska, died tragically Sept. 12, 2005, in a small-aircraft accident near the Wood River, about 30 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, along with his beloved brother-in-law, Sean R. Hill.
Kevin was born Jan. 14, 1980, in Kalispell, where he spent the first three years of his life before moving to Alaska with his family. He held various jobs over the years, working in pizza joints, operating and repairing heavy equipment, and most recently working in an auto parts store. He was very mechanically inclined and could repair or alter anything he put his mind to. He attended school in North Pole and went through much of the Process Technology program at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
His hobbies included just about anything motorized, from pocket bikes and hobby aircraft, to motorcycles and four-wheelers, to street and stock cars, and airplanes. He raced stock cars off and on since 1996 in the Greater Fairbanks Racing Association in various classes since he was old enough to legally get out on the track at the age of 16. Among the many trophies he won, he was voted most popular driver three years in a row, and was most proud of his "Wall-banger" award, and a first place trophy dash award that another driver contested but he kept anyhow. He also once placed second in the "King of the Street" competition at the Fairbanks Racing Lion's drag races. He was also an avid gun and shooting enthusiast and held several NRA certifications for marksmanship.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Tammy and John Phillips, of North Pole; sisters, Kristina Hill and her daughter, Rowan, Melissa Phillips Gray and her son, Zachary, and Cindy and her husband, Robert Shurte; grandmothers, Mae Christensen, Dorothy Krause, and Carol Phillips; uncles and aunts, Dennis and Betty Christensen, Deryl and Deanna Krause, Kirk and Dhana Krause, Cate Phillips, Craig and Ann Wilson, and Robert Phillips, and their families; and many, many more in the extended family. He also leaves behind some very good friends who enjoyed motor sports, shooting, hunting and fishing, and other good times with him.
He lived the life he loved and will be dearly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Krause; and grandfathers, Floyd Krause, Ken Christensen, and the Rev. John A. Phillips.
A joint memorial service will be held for Kevin and Sean at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the David Salmon Tribal Hall, 109 Clay St., in Fairbanks, Alaska. The dress code/theme for the service is Carhartt clothing and "Cat" hats for those so compelled to wear them. Graveside services will be afterward at Birch Hill Cemetery.