Donald "Buzz" Kraus, 72, of Athol, SD, died Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. His funeral will be Monday, July 23, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Pastor Shari Aaker Kastein will officiate. Burial will be in the Athol Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Buzz was born April 18, 1940 in Doland, SD to Clarence and Dorothy (Leibig) Kraus. He married Veronica Van Houten on October 15, 1960 in Athol. They farmed in the Athol area for many years until he retired in 2003. They continued to reside in their family home in Athol.

For many years he was an avid horseman. He enjoyed watching the PBR Bull Riding, fishing, hunting and playing cards with family and friends.

His true passion was spending time with his family. He absolutely loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Buzz is survived by his wife Veronica Kraus of Athol; two daughters: Deb (Russ) Christensen of Athol and Lori (Jeff) Flinn of Watertown, SD; his grandchildren: Jody (Brandon) Woehl of Harrisburg, SD; Jamie (Derrick) Galinat of Billings, MT; Courtney Flinn of Watertown and Brandon Flinn of Watertown; and two great grandsons: Mason and Laycen. He is also survived by two sisters: Donna Carr of Eden, SD and Nancy (Dick) Aaker of Frankfort and two brothers: Ken (Florence) Kraus of Aberdeen and Bill (Dar) Kraus of Northville and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Butch (2003) and an infant sister.