Lester Charles Krause, age 68, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, January 13, 2023, after a battle with cancer.

Lester was born January 30, 1954, in Hayward, WI, the son of Frank and Sirella (Potack) Krause. He is a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Lester grew up with his older brother Gene. They graduated from Mellen High School where he made some of his lifelong friends. After high school Lester continued on to business school in Minnesota. From there, he worked proudly as an Accountant for Indian Health Services until retirement in 2009 after 35 years.

He remained living in Mahnomen, MN until the time of his death where he enjoyed music, watching his westerns, sports, and the occasional trip to the local casino. Before he became ill, he also often traveled to spend time with family and friends. Lester will be remembered as loving, funny and “The Greatest Uncle of All Time”, a title he coined for himself. We will all miss him dearly.

Lester is survived by his siblings Gwen Krause, Patricia (Andres) Barbara, & Mike “Myron” (Janice) Cortopassi and son Tyler Jenson, Loving nieces and nephews; Shiloy Krause, Regina (Brian) Rettler, Lily Potack, Ira Potack, & Jack Potack. Great nieces and nephews; Isabella Potack-Rettler, Macyne Potack-Rettler, and Brayden Potack. Sister-in-laws: Kristine Potack & Lola Potack.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Carol Potack, Gene Potack, Clark “Ron” Mount, David Krause & Kathy Krause.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 27th at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in New Post. Father Karunakar Madanu will officiate with music provided by Sister Felissa Zander. Burial will be in New Post Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., prior to the service at New Post Community Center.

Casket bearers will be Mike Cortopassi, John “Oolie” Ellias, Dan Gonzales, David Janz, Ira Potack, Jack Potack, Robert “Bobbers” Powless & Brian Rettler.

Last Update: Jan 20, 2023 1:36 pm CST