William Krauser Obituary

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.