Joyce Lucille (Knippenberg) Kraus, 88, of Barnhart died March 20, 2026, at her home. Mrs. Kraus was a retired homemaker and dairy farmer from the family-owned Kraus Dairy Farm. She was a member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Imperial and was active in the church for several years as a piano player, Sunday School teacher, committee member and many other roles throughout her years. She grew up on her family’s produce farm in Oakville. After graduating high school, she worked as a secretary at Anheuser Busch until she married Norvill in Nov. 1957. She spent her retirement years enjoying the outdoors and riding the Gator utility vehicle around the family farm. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Born Nov. 12, 1937, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Cornelia (Benack) and Clarence Knippenberg.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years: Norvill Henry Kraus.
She is survived by five children: Andrea Johnson, Darrell (Teresa) Kraus, Dwight (Chris) Kraus, Connie (Robert) Stuckmeyer and Lyle (Kimberly) Kraus; 10 grandchildren: Jennifer (Christopher) Cano, Kathryn (Taylor) Reiff, Sarah (Michael) Saputo, Andrew (Jenna) Kraus, Abraham (Julie) Kraus, Jacob (Giovanna) Stuckmeyer, Justin (Courtney) Stuckmeyer, Joseph Stuckmeyer, Emily (Lucas) Ott and Natalie Kraus; and eight great-grandchildren: Vincent Reiff, Samuel Reiff, Maybree Saputo, Mariella Saputo, Henry Kraus, Sonny Kraus, Kohen Stuckmeyer, Norah Stuckmeyer and one on the way.
She also was preceded in death by a sister: Jeanette Roth; a son-in-law: Robert Johnson; and a grandson: Noah Charles Kraus.
A memorial visitation is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until a memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday, April 6, at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 6610 St. Luke’s Church Road, in Imperial, officiated by Pastor James Hill. Luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will be at a later date in Shepherd Hills Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s United Church of Christ General Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.