Robert E. Krauss, 82, of Ontario, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2014. He was born September 4, 1932, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Cecilia (Swimmer) and Karl E. Krauss. Robert graduated from Springfield Township School.
He began taking violin lessons in 2nd grade, studying under Eugene Weinberger. He continued his love of music, playing in the Mansfield Symphony and Mansfield Faith Assembly for many years. His first job was mowing Ontario Cemetery during the summer, earning ten cents an hour. Then, as a sophomore in high school, he worked on the Erie Railroad during summer break for two years. In 1950, Robert joined the Springfield Township Fire Department and began working at Mansfield Tire and Rubber Co. until he was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 11, 1952. He served during the Korean War with the 40th Division, 223rd Regiment, Fox Company as a squad leader in heavy weapons. Robert participated in exercises on Punch Bowl, Heart Break, Chorwon Valley and White Castle until the cease fire. He was then sent back to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he worked as a 48 ton tank instructor for 2nd lieutenants.. He was then assigned to Special Forces playing basketball. He was released from the Army in 1954.
In 1956, he met and began dating his soon to be bride, Fay Adams. Moving back to the Mansfield area, he began working at North Electric in Galion as a master wiring specialist. Robert supervised forty women and wired the first computer used at the factory. He also built the house, he currently lived in for an investment of $8000. On July 1, 1959, he became the first patrolman with the Ontario Police Department, advancing through the ranks and retiring as 2nd Chief of Police in 1988. Robert then went to work at the Richland County Common Pleas Court for Judges Chilcote and DeWeese.
Robert ran for Ontario Council and was elected for 4 years, casting the deciding vote for the business district on Lexington-Springmill Road. He was elected Pro Tem and acting Mayor during any absence from the community, and acted as Judge of Ontario Mayor’s court also. After his term, he worked at International and Gold as a security officer. He was also an avid deer, pheasant, coon and rabbit hunter. Robert also collected guns since the age of 14.
He is survived by his wife, Fay Krauss; son, Steven E. Krauss; daughter, Tonya Hutchison; grandson, Jason (Christen) Hutchison; two great-grandsons, Connor and Ethan Hutchison; a brother, Karl E. (Mary Jo) Krauss, Jr. of Littleton, CO; niece, Dottie Jo Krauss; and extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a nephew, Irving Krauss.
The family will receive friends Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 12:30 p.m. until the service at 2 p.m. in Mansfield Faith Assembly, 2727 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield. Pastor Donald Lee Wilson and nephew, Sam Adams will conduct the service. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Mansfield Faith Assembly.
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