Gloria Norma Kraus (Bluhm)

Gloria Norma Kraus, of Grayling, passed away on December 23, 2012. She was 86 years old. Gloria will be remembered for her lively and welcoming spirit, her endless love for family, her many warm friendships, and her energetic support of the community. Gloria was the loving wife of William Kraus, who died in 2004, and the devoted mother of three sons, William (Rebecca) Kraus, Jr. of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Richard (Mindy) Kraus of Okemos, Michigan, and James (Antonia) Kraus of Dewitt, Michigan. She was the doting grandmother of Bill (Sarah), Alison and Emily. Gloria was born in Detroit on November 12, 1926. Her parents were Norman and Blanche Bluhm. She was especially fond of telling stories about "Pops" who encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and just as importantly, taught her to dance - a favorite activity throughout her life. After graduating near the top of her class, she worked as a legal secretary for General Motors and attended college in the evenings. Gloria met Bill, the love of her life and husband for 57 years, while working at his family's insurance company in Detroit. They were married after just five dates on January 25, 1947. Gloria and Bill returned to his hometown of Grayling in 1964. They loved spending time with family and friends at their home on Lake Margrethe. In 2006, Gloria moved to the Lansing area to live closer to her family. Gloria was an active participant in Grayling's business, civic and social life. She managed the Fred Bear Museum and owned the Village Shoppe of Grayling for many years. Her community activities are too numerous to list. Gloria was proudest of two awards. She was named as Grayling's "Citizen of the Year" in 1980. She was honored to receive the Athena Leadership Award, which recognized her professional achievements, contributions to improving the quality of life in her community, and mentorship of young women in realizing their full leadership potential. She was the President of the Grayling Area Chamber of Commerce and served for many years on the Board of Trustees for Grayling Mercy Hospital. Gloria was the first woman in Michigan elected as a county road commissioner and was a board member of the County Road Association of Michigan. With her boundless energy, she helped organize fundraisers for United Way, Mercy Hospital and many other groups that generated tens of thousands of dollars for community and charitable activities in Grayling. A memorial service celebrating Gloria's life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at St. Mary's Parish in Grayling. Visitation will be at 10:00, with a funeral Mass at 11:00. Arrangements are being handled by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. Memorial donations can be made to Crawford County United Way. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gloria Norma Kraus (Bluhm), please visit our flower store.