Longtime Durango resident William J. Krauser, M.D. died in Bradenton, Florida, on May 22, 2018. He was 94.
He was born an only child to Elba and Elizabeth Krauser in Bushnell, Ill., on April 1, 1924.
In 1947 he received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Illinois and performed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago. During his studies one evening, he fell in love at first sight with a young woman merrily playing a piano. Shortly thereafter, he and "Dottie" married on June 15, 1947. The couple later moved to El Paso, Texas, where Dr. Krauser served as a medical officer at William Beaumont Army Hospital during the Korean War.
Beginning in 1954 Dr. Krauser practiced for several years in Colorado Springs. In 1960 he and his family moved to Durango, where he became the only orthopedic surgeon practicing in southwest Colorado. Demand for his services grew rapidly, and after a few years he recruited other orthopedic surgeons to join his practice, which eventually became Durango Orthopedic Associates. Upon his retirement at age 72, Dr. Krauser and his wife began enjoying the mild winters in Holmes Beach, Florida, while spending the warmer months in Durango and at their beloved cabin at Electra Lake.
Dr. Krauser was an avid oenophile and had passions for aerobic exercise and expanding his intellectual horizons. He was a prodigious reader and enjoyed collecting art and antiques, the performing arts, bicycling, racquetball, skiing, swimming and family activities. In his final complete year of life, 2017, he was rightly proud of the 7000 riding miles he accumulated on his bicycles.
Dr. Krauser is survived by his daughters Ellyn Krauser and Liese Krauser and son John Krauser, all of Durango, and son William Krauser of Bradenton, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His parents and his wife predeceased him.
A small graveside service is planned at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, to be followed later this summer by a Celebration of Life tribute.
The family requests no flowers or contributions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
Dear Family,
Dr. Krauser was a remarkable doctor and interesting person.
He treated each patient with kindness.
When he opened his first office in downtown Durango he needed a secretary and luckily he hired me! I was bound for college and needed a summer job. How fortunate that Durango finally had a talented, intelligent and caring orthopedic doctor.
He will be especially missed by his family, patients and my family.
Suzanne Matis
June 16, 2018
Suzanne Matis
June 16, 2018
Dear Ellyn,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a kind, generous man and talented physician. He was so good when he treated my dad. You knew he cared about each person he came in contact with.
Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
June 9, 2018
Jane Murdock
June 9, 2018
TO THE KRAUSER FAMILY, YOUR DAD AND I WERE ON THE MERCY HOSPITAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT THE SAME TIME. I MOST APPRECIATED BILLS COMPLETE CANDOR IN ALL DECISIONS. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AS WELL AS TEACHING ME IMPARTIAL DECISIONS MAKING WE WERE ALL BETTER OFF FOR KNOWING BILL . THE BEST TO YOU ALL LOVE MICKEY HOGAN
June 6, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have known him. Rob Haukeness.
Rob Haukeness
June 6, 2018
Dear Ellyn,
We are so very sorry to read about the loss of your dear father. What a wonderful father, husband and Physician. He was such a kind soul.
We know you will miss him.
Our love is with you.
Rita and Joe
June 2, 2018
As you remember your love one, may your treasured memories continue to bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.
June 1, 2018
I will always remember Bill as such an intelligent, kind, loving "gentleman". He always welcomed me into his home each time i came to visit my daughter, Angie and Lisa. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Barbara Taylor
May 31, 2018
Ellyn and family,
My thought and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. Doctor Krauser was a very fine man and excellent doctor. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Nita Cooper
May 30, 2018
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