Ilene Patti Krause, age 86, of Emmetsburg, passed away on Sunday October 12, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 AM Wednesday October 15th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Burial took place in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Whittemore. Visitation was 4 -7 pm Tuesday, October 14th, at Martin-Mattice Funeral Home of Emmetsburg with a scripture service that began at 6:45 pm.
Ilene Patti Person, the daughter of John Emil and Olive Lucille (Smith) Person, was born on July 16, 1939, in Burt, Iowa. In 1957, Patti graduated from Lone Rock High School. She later earned a business degree from Mankato Commercial College. On October 8, 1960, Patti was united in marriage with Kenneth Joseph Krause at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore.
Patti worked as a bookkeeper in Des Moines, at the Algona Chamber Office, Sidles Young Fashion in Emmetsburg, and Krause Kountry Krafts. She also worked at Ken Krause Motors as a bookkeeper until she retired at age 63. She was a dedicated member of TOPS and enjoyed her weekly meetings with friends there. Patti loved watching NBA basketball, Iowa and Iowa State basketball, the WNBA (especially Caitlin Clark), and most of all, E-Hawk sports. She also cherished her many dogs over the years and her Cheveux friends, Abby and Hannah. Patti loved sewing, knitting, and crocheting, as well as frequent trips to Arizona to visit her daughter and family. Patti's family was her number one priority. She never missed sending a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion card. Her kindness, sweetness, and thoughtfulness were never-ending.
Left to cherish Patti's memory are her husband of 65 years, Ken; her children, Scott (Julie) Krause of Algona, Shawn Krause of Emmetsburg, Teresa (Greg) Holub of Cedar Rapids, Linette (Glenn) McMinn of Apache Junction, AZ, and Maurice (Kimberly) Krause of Emmetsburg; 14 grandchildren- Chelsea Nissen, Matthew Krause, Hannah Arrant, John Krause, Nicholas Krause, Marissa, Ryan, Spencer and Dylan Holub, Lindsey Estes, Mattie McMinn, Shelby Sanderson, Austin Krause and Emma Krause; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, John Person of Lone Rock.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Jackie Nelson and Betty Engelby.
