Walter Krause, whose legendary service is tightly woven throughout the history of the fledgling Church in eastern Germany following World War II, died April 14 at age 94 in his home in Prenzlau, Germany.
In a general conference address, President Thomas S. Monson told of Brother Krause's willingness to serve. "Homeless following World War II," said President Monson, "like so many others at that time, Brother Krause and his family lived in a refugee camp in Cottbus and began to attend Church there. He was immediately called to lead the Cottbus Branch. Four months later, in November of 1945, the country still in ruins, district president Richard Ranglack came to Brother Krause and asked him what he would think about going on a mission. Brother Krause's answer reflects his commitment to the Church. Said he: 'I don't have to think about it at all. If the Lord needs me, I'll go.' "
Walking up to 50 kilometers between homes, he gathered members into branches and organized the Church before the communist regime took power in the area.
Born July 5, 1909, Brother Krause joined the Church as a young man against his parents' wishes. He was disinherited and forced to leave home.
After World War II, when members faced grave challenges because of a ruined country and political pressure, Brother Krause was steady in developing faith and friendships.
In 1973, he was among the first allowed out of the country by communist officials to attend general conference in Salt Lake City where he was ordained by President Spencer W. Kimball as patriarch to eastern Europe. Over the years he pronounced more than 1,000 blessings.
Among his cherished memories was standing on a hill near Dresden overlooking the Elbe River with President Monson when he was there in 1975 to rededicate the work of the Lord in East Germany.
Brother Krause is survived by his wife, Edith Schade Krause, and four children.
