Feb. 6, 1943 - Feb. 26, 2012

ELKHART — James E. "Jim" Krauzer, 69, of Elkhart, passed away at 6:18 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on Feb. 6, 1943, to the late Ernest and Margaret Krauzer and married Patricia J. (Long) Lovely on July 25, 1993, in Elkhart. She survives at home.

Also surviving are a son, Christopher Krauzer, and daughters Patricia A. Krauzer and Kathy Worder, all of Toledo; as well as stepsons Duane M. (Rachael) Lovely and Leo C. Mansfield, both of Elkhart; stepdaughters, Heather M. Fellows of Mishawaka and Tina M. (Donald) Bright of Green Bay, Wisc.; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no visitation or services, and cremation is to take place. Veterans Funeral Care at Billings and Altera Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may reach the family by visiting the funeral home's website.

Jim worked for Conrail for more than 30 years as a conductor and was a former captain with the Elkhart Response Team. He was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed making wooden model planes, boats, cars and trucks. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era and served aboard the fleet oiler USS Truckee as a boiler technician Petty Officer Third Class.

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