Pete Krauter, 87, Ada, Minnesota, died July 26, 2011, at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Peter Robert Krauter was born June 7, 1924 to Frank and Rose (Wert) Krauter at Lefor, North Dakota. He grew up in that area and graduated from St. Mary's High School in New England, North Dakota in 1941. He was drafted into the Army in 1944. After training at Camp Wolters and Camp Maxie, Texas, he served as a Battalion Supply Sargent with the 1901st Aviation Engineers at Kimpo Air Base in Korea. After his discharge, in 1946, he worked on the family farm.

He married Betty Kathrein at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New England on October 26, 1948. They farmed for four years in the Regent, North Dakota area. They raised four children: Cheryl, Audrey, David and Sandra. In October, 1953 they moved to Dickinson, North Dakota where he began working in the Gamble Hardware Store as a manager trainee. He became manager of the Gamble Store in Brookings, South Dakota July 1, 1956. He was transferred as store manager to Minot, North Dakota in October, 1959. Pete and Betty purchased the Gamble Store in Ada, Minnesota from Hans Sethre on July 1, 1961. After 44 years, Pete and Betty retired from the hardware and appliance business in October, 1997. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, playing cards, spending time with family, and visiting with his many friends and neighbors in Ada.

He was very active in the community which he so dearly loved. He was a trustee at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for 6 years, served on the Board of Directors and Promotion Committee of the Chamber of Commerce several times, and volunteered for two 3-year terms as Director of the Golf Course in Ada. He was Finance Officer of the Ada American Legion from 1974-2008. He is a life member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Knights of Columbus.

His parents, a daughter, Sharon, brothers Mike, Adam and Frank all preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife Betty; daughters, Cheryl (Mel) Wilkins, Cincinnati, OH; Audrey (Al) Gerhardt, Minnetonka, MN; Sandra (Roger) Stene, Ada, MN; and a son, David (Jan) Krauter, Fargo, ND. Grandchildren are: Amber and Ryan Wilkins; Ashlee (Craig Burmaster) and Madeline Gerhardt; Abby (Dustin Bushie) and Andy Stene; Jordan, Devin and Courtney Krauter. He has three great granddaughters: Ava Burmaster, Angelina & Savannah Stene, along with one great grandson, Mason Bushie. He has 3 surviving brothers: George (Elinor) Krauter, Dickinson, ND; Joe (Marge) Krauter, Fridley, MN; Al (Betty) Krauter, Vancouver, WA; and a sister, Evelyn (Jack) Waleri, Dickinson, ND.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Heart of the Valley Golf Club, c/o Betty Krauter, 506 4th St. West, Ada, MN 56510.

Funeral services will be 11:00am, Saturday, July 30, 2011, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00-7:00pm at the Church with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm.

Burial will be in the Ada City Cemetery.