Bruno Koehler Krause passed away due to complications from open heart surgery on December 16, 2025. He was seventy-two years old.
Bruno is survived and missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Debbie, and his children Brent (Emily) and Brianne (Domenic). He will also be remembered and cherished by his grandchildren Adam, Libby, Sam, and Wendy. Bruno is predeceased by his parents Bruno L and Marjorie K, and his sister Karen.
Bruno was born August 7th, 1953 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up in Churchill, where he first met his wife at the Churchill Area High School. He studied and received a degree in Architectural Engineering from Penn State University, and then moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he began his professional career and started his family.
For thirty-seven years, Bruno worked as an Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer for various engineering firms in the Rochester area, designing air control systems for schools, hospitals, and other institutional buildings. He was particularly proud of his work on the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics. He also used his vast knowledge and experience to design renovations and retrofits for several historical buildings, including the Livingston County Courthouse.
For over twenty years, Bruno and Debbie were avid riverboat travellers, advocates, and steamboaters, traversing the great American rivers on the grand Delta and American Queens. The experiences, lore, and friends he had were an integral part of his life and gave him great joy throughout the years. His fellow steamboaters were extremely important to him and he always looked towards the next journey with his friends.
As per Bruno’s wish, no official service or visitation will be held. In lieu of flowers or other tributes, please consider a donation to the St. Joseph’s Indian School of Chamberlain, South Dakota, which was very dear to his heart. Visit www.stjo.org/ and select “Ways to Give” and “Donate.” Please also consider a donation to Lollypop Farm of the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, as he had many loving cats over the years. Visit www.lollypop.org and select “Donate Now.”
16 responses to “Krause, Bruno K.”
Debbie I’m still in shock and so saddened by this. I was waiting for him to reply with our quiz!! I’m sending you all my love and support to help take in this unbelievable loss. I know how much you both loved the boat and the family we all shared together there. I will never forget walking on stage and seeing your faces on the side couch on the openings of all of the shows. My memories will have to take us down the river together and I will cherish them forever.
Debbie,
My sincere and heartfelt condolences at this time. Eventually you will find peace but not easily or quickly. Bruno was full of life and generous to others . He will be missed. I am glad I met both of you even if we never had long discussions about anything. I just quietly considered both of you part of that magical steamboat community.
Peace to you. Doubt you will even make the connections but I first met when I bartended all three, the AQ, the MQ, and the DQ. It was passengers like you who keep authentic steamboating alive. So, thank you.
So sorry to hear about Bruno! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie & family.
Helen and I are saddened to hear of Bruno’s passing. He was a big presence at Mackie lake where they spent many summers. We will miss his booming voice and wise counsel.
Our sincere condolences to Debbie and family.
Helen and Evert Bron.
I am so sorry to hear this. Bruno played a big part in my childhood growing up in Forest Hills, PA. After I moved to NY, we visited occasionally and I was invited to spend time with his family at Mackie Lake. Bruno and Debbie welcomed me at their homes several times during my road trips around the USA. A good friend for many years. My condolences to Debbie and the family.
Carl Wedekind
Years of happy memories with Bruno and Debbie at Mackie Lake. A stop at our cottage before they boated over to theirs for a libation, or two. Lively discussions at our many dinners together, pontoon rides and Happy Hour get togethers with Mackie Lake friends.
Bruno was infamous for his cardboard boxes that gradually accumulated duct tape and more duct tape over the years.
Eventually Bruno finally parted with them in a special fire pit ceremony at our cottage. And Debbie, remember when we removed Bruno’s moustache?
We watched their family grow up, their grandchildren and family friends, all spending fun times with Bill and I.
Debbie, may these memories give you some comfort. We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
With our love
Susan and Bill
Debbie and family, I was shocked to hear of Bruno’s death. I especially remember our New Year’s Eve celebrations in u
Buffalo with Gary and Nancy. My prayers will continue for you and your family in the months ahead. Love, Bev Banyay
As a Watchman, I remember Bruno and Debbie as the type of passengers aboard the Steamer DELTA QUEEN that makes boat rides so much more fun.
Our thoughts are with Bruno’s family and friends at this sad time/
Debbie, Chrissie called to let me know of Bruno’s passing. We were both so sad and spent time remembering what a critical part of the Sea Dragon and Penfield High parents group he was. You and Bruno were incredible supporters of the swimmers, and Chrissie remembered how he would argue ferociously with the refs over an unfair call like a false start. Know that we are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Jim and I are in Tempe, Arizona, and both Matt and Chrissie are in California, so if your travels ever take you in our direction, please let us know. We’d be happy to meet and catch up.
Debbie:
Thanks for letting us know about Bruno.
We are so saddened by his passing. We will fondly remember
All the great times we had together on the Delta Queen and the American Queen steaming on America’s rivers. You and Bruno were the best travelling friends anyone could ask for. We had so many great times together. Two couples from upstate NY cruising the rivers on the last of the grand river steamboats. GOD Bless you.
Debbie:
Thanks for letting us know about Bruno.
We are so saddened by his passing. We will fondly remember
All the great times we had together on the Delta Queen and the American Queen steaming on America’s rivers. You and Bruno were the best travelling friends anyone could ask for. We had so many great times together. Two couples from upstate NY cruising the rivers on the last of the grand river steamboats. GOD Bless you.
Dear Debbie,
We were shocked to hear about Bruno’s passing.
He was my next door neighbor from the age of 5 through high school graduation, and then went on to Penn State together.
Many fond memories of Bruno dragging me up the steep hill by my ponytail, kick the can, sledding down the hill by the Petrovich’s, swim team, camping out, and Mackie Lake.
Playing with the neighborhood kids (twins Joyce and Janice,
the Petrovich’s, Shanks, Wedekinds, etc.).
My sister Beth and I are keeping you and your
family in our prayers. Diane Underwood
Mrs. Krause, I was Bruno’s roommate in Stuart Hall 1971 at PSU. Often wondered how he was doing after I left school in 1972. I was stunned to find this notice. He was a great guy and dedicated to his studies. I remember after Christmas break he brought a gift. Grandma Krause had made a pair of “woofty boots”. The dust bunnies under the bed are known as woof tees, who knew. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Sincerely, George Bailey, Jr.
Debbie, it was of profound sadness when my daughter Sarah shared the news today. I was just thinking about you and Bruno the other day as Jeanne had seen Brianne in Wegmans (although she was unable to speak to her). So many fond memories of the swimming days with Seadragons and PHS and all the fune times. I will always remember you both attending my 50th birthday party and how much it meant to me. I know the words are hollow, but although he’s gone, he’s not forgotten by some many of us!!!! All our love to you and the family, Burt & Jeanne Gorton
Deb – Bruno and I were neighbors in Forest Hills. He lived in our first house on Hillcrest Road after we moved down the hill. A great guy and wonderful man. RIP Bruno of Mackey Lake.
Nort Petrovich