Margaret Ann Kraus' Obituary
Margaret Ann Kraus passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 81, due to complications from pneumonia, surrounded by her loving family.
Margaret was born on February 18, 1945, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Audrey Burns Bradley and Evenor H. Bradley. She was raised in Humboldt, Iowa, where her father served as the county sheriff. Margaret grew up living in the courthouse apartment with the jail next door. She had wonderful memories of her childhood in Iowa. After the loss of her mother at the age of 13, her Aunt Bernice Bradley Smith became an especially important and guiding presence in her life.
Margaret attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, before continuing her education at Iowa State University, where she was a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Atlantic, Iowa. She later moved to California, where she taught in Orange County for 13 years. After relocating to Katy, Texas in 1988, she continued her love of teaching as a substitute teacher.
Margaret married the love of her life, Richard Lee Kraus, on March 10, 1979. Though both were originally from small towns in Iowa, they met in California. This meeting would lead to a lifetime of love and partnership.
After spending many years in California, Marg and Dick moved to Dallas in 2014 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Marg was a devoted member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and was active in church communities throughout her life. She was deeply involved in P.E.O. for more than 60 years, forming lasting friendships and faithfully supporting its missions. She also devoted countless hours volunteering in her children’s schools during her years in Katy.
Marg was known for her gift of friendship. She never met a stranger and had a genuine curiosity about others that made everyone feel seen and valued. She formed close friendships everywhere she lived, from her college years to California, Katy, and Dallas, and maintained those relationships throughout her life. She especially cherished her trips back to Iowa, where she spent time in Humboldt, Britt, and Okoboji, staying closely connected to the places and people she loved.
Margaret is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Lee Kraus; her children, Elizabeth Kraus Birdwell (Warrie) and Bradley Huhn Kraus (Erin); and her treasured grandchildren, Hannah Bernice Birdwell, Margaret “Maggie” Jill Birdwell, Emma Jeann Birdwell, Miller James Kraus, and Gracie Ann Kraus, all of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by her brother, John Bradley (Karen), and their children, Bryan Bradley and Scott Bradley; and her mother-in-law, Jeanne Kraus.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey Burns Bradley and Evenor H. Bradley.
A memorial service celebrating Margaret’s life will be held on Thursday, April 30, at 2:00 pm at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to P.E.O. or a charity of your choice in Marg’s honor.
Marg will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend whose warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
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