Kevin James Kraushaar, age 70, passed away peacefully after a long illness on the morning of 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; sister-in-law Janice (Geoffrey) Lilja; sister-in-law Terri (Ray) Dicius; niece Emily (Jason) Powell; nephew Noel (Heidi) Snyder; niece Heidi (Brian) Wolfe; niece Emily Lilja; nephew Mathew Lilja; nephew Nick Lilja; and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kevin was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on October 3, 1955. He graduated from Saline High School in 1973. As a student, he traveled the world with Musical Youth International in the band and chorus and later served on the staff and as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1977. At Michigan, he was active at Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and the Amazin’ Blues vocal ensemble. He received a J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1981.

After becoming a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan, he worked as an Assistant County Prosecutor in Washtenaw County, Michigan. He met his wife Karen at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor at a choir concert in 1983. They were married on April 26, 1986.

He served as Assistant Senate Majority Counsel to Michigan Senate Majority Leader John M. Engler from 1987 to 1989, and then as Legislative Director and Counsel to U.S. Representative Carl D. Pursell in Washington, DC, from 1989 to 1992. He subsequently served as Vice President of Government Relations for several organizations, including the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the National Waste and Recycling Association, and as Counsel to the National Governors Association.

He was a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Washtenaw County Bar Association, and Phi Sigma Kappa.

After retirement, he moved to Ocala, Florida, where he continued to develop his passion for golf, Paso Fino horses, golden retrievers, and choral music, often performing with the Ocala Civic Chorus and the Ocala Symphony. He was a member of Ocala First United Methodist Church.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Ocala First United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11th.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Reilly Arts Center (www.reillyartscenter.com) or to the scholarship fund of your choice.