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US Air Force Veteran, ‘Friend, Union Brother’ From Lehigh Valley Dies Suddenly At Age 28

Beloved Lehigh Valley native, Air Force veteran, friend, and union brother Jacob S. “Jake” Krause died unexpectedly on Friday, May 20 at the age of 28.

Beloved Lehigh Valley native, Air Force veteran, friend, and union brother Jacob S. “Jake” Krause died unexpectedly on Friday, May 20 at the age of 28.

Beloved Lehigh Valley native, Air Force veteran, friend, and union brother Jacob S. “Jake” Krause died unexpectedly on Friday, May 20 at the age of 28.

Photo Credit: Facebook/IBEW Local Union 126

Born in Fountain Hill, Jake graduated from Nazareth Area High School with the class of 2012 before moving to Bangor, where he lived at the time of his death, his obituary says.

Jake had spent six years serving with the United States Air Force and had recently started working as a lineman with the IBEW Local #126, according to his memorial.

Jake was known for his love of nature, including fishing and warm weather, as well as for his passion for diesel trucks and his beloved red corvette.

Above all, Jake will be remembered for his contagious smile and ability to spread joy, happiness, and laughter anywhere and everywhere he went.

Jake leaves behind his loving parents, Nik and Mary Krause; sister, Rachael E. Krause; paternal grandparents, Robert and Susan Krause; maternal grandmother, Berenice Meyer; uncle and aunt, Joshua “Josh” and Kelly Krause; cousins, Katrina and Julian Krause; biological mother, Kathy Smith and her husband Chris, and their son, Elijah; maternal grandparents, Dennis and Pam Epperson; aunt, Dana Murphy; as well as his dog, Goober, and numerous close friends.

Many left tributes for Jake on social media following his sudden passing.

“We lost not only a member of Local Union 126 but a friend, a coworker, and union brother,” reads a post from IBEW Local Union 26.

“During times like these it’s important for everyone to not only remember and reflect, but support the ones most affected by such a sudden, tragic loss and continue to remind each other of the support circle present not only with each other but available professionally for everyone in our local union.”

Jake’s funeral visitation was held at the Joseph F. Reichel Funeral Home Inc. in Nazareth on Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25.

Donations can be made in Jake’s honor to “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing” (PO Box 695 LaPlata, MD 20646).

“Jake was loved by many,” reads the tribute post. “His smile, wit and compassion will be missed by anyone who knew him.”

Click here to view the full obituary of Jacob S. “Jake” Krause.

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