Born on a snowy day, February 4, 1978, Benson James Krause was the fifth of eight children, and one of four brothers in the family.
Gregarious and hilarious from an early age, Benson’s sense of humor was a delight to family and friends. He had a way of being funny without realizing he was being funny.
Benson was home-schooled for most of his education, which only seemed to encourage his natural inventiveness and creativity. Benson was also known for his sensitivity toward others, a trait that often engendered a kinder, gentler view of things among those who knew him.
Benson was an extremely talented and accomplished songwriter, musician and performer. During his teenage years, he formed bands known as The Sweet Anchovies and The Third Half. After developing friendships with other young musicians in the Chicago suburbs, he formed a band called Ophur, in which he was the lead vocalist and lyricist. They played in a variety of venues, including The House of Blues in Chicago and The Metro, and opening for such acts as The Violent Femmes and Veruca Salt. They received air play on a number of radio stations and enjoying a large, loyal following.
In 2005, Benson married, and the following spring, he welcomed his child Julian into his life. He was a devoted and tender father to his son. Through a number of hardships and personal struggles in the past two years, he remained extremely dedicated to meeting his son’s needs and strove to be there for Julian even under difficult and painful circumstances.
Benson Krause, 29, died on Jan. 22, 2008. He is preceded in death by his mother, Benja Krause. He is survived by his son, Julian Fee Krause; by his father, James Krause; and by his siblings: Bess Cravy, Michael Krause, Lelia Lindhorst, Elasa Krause, Katie Rose Longbons, Jesse Krause and Timothy Krause.
