Dr. Stephen D. Krau

Dr. Stephen Krau, 71, of Nashville, TN, passed away Friday, August 18, 2023. He is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter Vanessa, son Jeremy Akal, son Timothy, and brother Frank (Judy). He was loved by five nieces, three nephews, his two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his father LTC Harold Krau, mother 1LT Ivy Krau, and brother Michael Krau.

Stephen was born in Heidelberg, Germany into a military family. Ultimately, he would call four continents and seven US states home.

Stephen met Carol at Scarritt College in Nashville in 1973. During their courtship, he served as a missionary in Zaire for nine months. The experience was a turning point for him. There, he realized that Carol was ‘The One.’ Also, the philosophical groundwork which would lead to his nursing career was laid.

In 1976, Stephen and Carol married in Atlanta before moving to Texas. Upon completing his nursing degree, he served his country in the Navy. For nine years, he took his wife and children all over the US and to Japan. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant in 1989.

In 1990, the Kraus moved to Nashville. Stephen split his time between nursing at Vanderbilt Hospital and continuing his education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he earned his PhD in Nursing by 1995. Doctor Krau was born.

Stephen was a nurse for 43 years. He taught nursing at Austin Peay State, Middle Tennessee State, and Vanderbilt Universities. He also consulted with Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia. Amongst his many professional accolades, he cherished being called “Teacher” until retiring in 2019.

He had the heart of an actor with an extremely expressive face to match. He and Carol were in several theater groups. Throughout the run of one show, despite not having any lines, his captivating performances won audiences over and were regularly rewarded with standing ovations!

An avid traveler, Stephen had a wonderful sense of adventure and a “try anything once” philosophy that he shared with his family. He was equally content in a small village in Hungary, at the Palace of Versailles or the Atlantic City boardwalk. His fascination with this world and the people in it was endless.

Visitation with the family will be held at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home on Saturday, August 26, from 2:00-4:00 PM. A memorial service will begin at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any donations be made to the Frist Art Museum or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.