John C. “Big Dude” Kraus, 91, of Hanover passed away Wednesday at the Lutheran Retirement Village, Gettysburg.

He was the husband for 63 years of Ruth A. “Rucie” (Grigsby) Kraus, who died May 25, 2010.

Born Feb. 20, 1923, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Herman C. Sr. and Ruth B. (McMillian) Kraus.

Jack served his country proudly during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was a 60-year member of the American Legion Post 31, Westminster, Md. “Big Dude” was a life member (50-plus years) of Masonic Lodge 716, North Hills. He was also a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 2277, Westminster, Md.

Mr. Kraus was the owner operator of the “House of Kraus, Inc.” jewelry manufacturers for 41 years before retiring in 1988. In his spare time, Jack's passion was photography and he also loved feeding the birds.

Mr. Kraus is survived by four children, Kimberly J. Millwood of Hanover, Cynthia R. Blum of Hanover, Gretchen G. Walters of Hellertown, Pa., and John G. Kraus of Philadelphia; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Erik P. Kraus (1972); and his brothers, H. Carl Kraus Jr. and Richard M. Kraus.

KRAUS — Private arrangements for John C. “Big Dude” Kraus, who died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, were handled by the Wetzel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hanover, Pa.Contributions in John's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.To share memories of John “Big Dude” Kraus, please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com.