Kevin James Kraushaar

Kevin James Kraushaar, age 70, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, May 10, in Ocala, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Doris (Kays) Kraushaar. Kevin is survived by his wife of 40 years, Karen G. Kraushaar; sister Carol (Robert) Snyder; brother Ned Kraushaar; sisters-in-law Janice (Geoffrey) Lilja and Terri (Ray) Dicius; nieces Emily (Jason) Powell, Heidi (Brian) Wolfe, and Emily Lilja; nephews Noel (Heidi) Snyder, Mathew (Hannah) Lilja, and Nick Lilja; and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kevin was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on October 3, 1955, and graduated from Saline High School in 1973. He traveled the world with Musical Youth International and served as Director. He received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1977, active in Phi Sigma Kappa and the Amazin’ Blues vocal ensemble, and earned a J.D. from the Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1981.

Licensed in Michigan, he became Assistant County Prosecutor in Washtenaw County.  Karen and Kevin met at a choir concert at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor in 1983, and married on April 26, 1986.

He served as Assistant Senate Majority Counsel to Leader John M. Engler (1987–1989) and as Legislative Director and Counsel to U.S. Representative Carl D. Pursell (1989–1992). He subsequently held government relations roles with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the National Waste and Recycling Association, and the National Governors Association. He was a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Washtenaw County Bar Association.

In retirement, Kevin moved to Ocala, where he enjoyed golf, Paso Fino horses, golden retrievers, and choral music, performing with the Ocala Civic Chorus and Ocala Symphony. He was a member of Ocala First United Methodist Church, where a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11th. Contributions may be made to the Reilly Arts Center (reillyartscenter.com) or a scholarship of your choice.