ELKHART -- Reinold F. "Ray" Kraus, 83, of Kollar St., died at 10:25 a.m. Saturday (May 31, 2008) at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Jan. 29, 1925, in Carol County, Iowa, to Frank and Celia Kraus. He married Penny M. Svircousky on Aug. 30, 1975, in Elkhart.

She survives along with one sister, Ceola (Hartin) Woehl of Sac City, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Celestine, Richard and Walbert Kraus; and one sister, Glyceria Ellis.

No visitation or funeral will take place. Cremation will take place according to his wishes. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is handling arrangements.

Mr. Kraus was a dispatcher for Bemico Builders and National Trailer Convoy, both of Elkhart. He was a U.S. Army paratrooper in World War II, during which he received a bronze star.

Online condolences may be sent at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.