Bonnie Kraus

Bonnie Jean Kraus (nee Miller), of RR#1 Hanover, passed away at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton on Monday, July 27th, 2026 in her 81st year. Beloved wife of Neil Benninger. Dear mother of Steve Kraus and his wife Karen, and Doug Kraus and his partner Julie Garry. Cherished grandmother of Megan and her husband Adrian Franken, Devin Kraus and his partner Jelena Hetsler, Mitchell Kraus; Jamie Kraus and his wife Natalie, and Haley Kraus and her partner Max Koszyca, and also missed by their mother Angie. Great-grandmother of Joe, Ryan, Cameron and Dawn Franken, Odette Kraus, Isaac Kraus, and Joey Koszyca. Bonnie will be missed by Neil’s children: Michele Benninger, and Michael Benninger; and their families: Beau, Gina and Lilah Sullivan, Jaxon, Ally and Parker Sullivan, Layne and Macey Sullivan, Michael Oualaalou, Cadon Benninger, Chantelle Benninger and Kyleigh Benninger. Dear sister of Betty and Ed Moric, Mary and Ron Hunt, and Majorie and Ross Wells. Sister-in-law of James Benninger, Anne Marie Webster, Helen Benninger, Rosemary and Wilf Wringler, George Benninger, Bertha Benninger and Alan Benninger and Holly MacIntosh. Family was very important to Bonnie and she will be missed by many extended family members and special friend Karen Rowe. Predeceased by her sister Grace Miller, her in-laws Jerome Benninger, Betty Lou Benninger, Moe Webster, Norbert Benninger, Francis Benninger and John Benninger and her former husband Rolf Kraus. 

Bonnie's second home and family that she cherished like her own, was Welbeck Sawmill and the wonderful gang who worked there over the years. She had been a familiar presence at Welbeck long before becoming an owner, working alongside her dad and learning the business from the ground up. In 1979, Bonnie purchased Welbeck, first in partnership with Rolf and later with Steve, and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the place she loved. Whether a customer needed help with plumbing, lumber, paint or just a bit of friendly advice, Bonnie could always be counted on to assist with care, knowledge and kindness. Welbeck was more than a business to her; it was a true labour of love, and she could often be found there seven days a week, whether the store was open or not.

Visitation will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Friday, August 7th from 5 – 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 352 10th Avenue, Hanover on Saturday, August 8th at 10 a.m. A memorial service celebrating Bonnie’s life will then be held at the Durham Legion, 271 Bruce Street North, Durham on Saturday, August 8th at 1 p.m. Interment of cremated remains at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Durham. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations Canadian Cancer Society, Chapman House (cheques payable to Grey Bruce Hospice Foundation) or Saugeen Hospice would be appreciated.