Karl F. Krauss: A Personification of the "True Michigan Spirit"

Abstract

Mark Buske’s essay presents a biographical tribute to Rev. Karl F. Krauss, a beloved pastor in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) who served Emanuel First Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, for 58 years. Krauss exemplified the “Michigan spirit”—a blend of loyalty, zeal, and camaraderie rooted in the district’s heritage. The essay traces Krauss’s life from his early years through his education at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Northwestern College, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, to his long pastoral tenure alongside his father and later as sole pastor. Krauss held numerous leadership roles in the Michigan District and the Synod, including district president, Synod vice president, and editor of The Northwestern Lutheran. Known for his warmth, humor, and dedication to preaching and pastoral care, Krauss left a lasting legacy. The essay includes his farewell sermon and a letter from President Jimmy Carter, underscoring Krauss’s impact on church and community. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)