Benjamin Krausz Obituary

Benjamin "Ben" Krausz, 22, of New Baden, IL, born September 16, 1994 in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ben was the 7th generation Krausz to live on the family farm south of New Baden. He was the valedictorian of the Wesclin High School Class of 2013. Ben studied pre-engineering at Kaskaskia College where he was the engineering club president, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

He transferred to the University of Illinois to pursue his Mechanical Engineering degree. Because of health issues, Ben finished his degree at SIU Edwardsville. Ben was known for his work ethic and dedication. He owned and operated his own car detailing business by the age of fifteen. A summer internship at Nascote Industries Inc. gave him the experience of working as an engineer.

While still in engineering school and battling health issues he earned his real estate license, joining Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors and sold his first home this spring. Ben was known for his big smile, kind heart, and helping anybody that needed a hand. He will be missed by his family and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Earlene (nee Graul) Haas; grandfather, Wayne Billhartz; and his uncle, Scott Billhartz.

Surviving are his special love, Hallie Bair of New Baden, IL, who brought laughter, strength and passion into his life; younger brother, Thomas Krausz of New Baden, IL; parents, Richard and Cristine (nee Billhartz) Krausz of New Baden, IL; grandparents, David and Joyce Krausz of New Baden, IL and Norman "Skelly" Haas of Trenton, IL; aunts and uncles, Crissy and Brian Krausz of New Baden, IL, Dana and Aaron Rottman of Highlands Ranch, CO and Stacy Billhartz of Trenton, IL.

Friends may call 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 16, 2017 at the New Memphis Community Center, New Memphis, IL for a celebration of Ben's life. Interment will be in the Looking Glass Township Cemetery, New Memphis, IL.