Brian Francis Kraus, 72, of Morehead City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Carolina East Medical Center.

A memorial service to honor Brian’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 21 at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Jake Young. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website.

Brian was born on June 15, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Henry and Rose Kraus. He attended Fox Chapel High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before graduating from West Carteret High School in 1972. He continued his education at East Carolina University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1976 and a Bachelor of Education degree in 1977. He devoted 48 years to teaching, 21 years teaching art at Havelock Middle School and was a long serving substitute teacher for Carteret and Craven County Schools. In addition to his teaching career, he was an instructor at Carteret Community College, where he taught art, history, adult high school, and landscaping business at the Carteret Correctional facility.

Brian owned and operated Kraus Artistic Enterprises, LLC, specializing in landscaping and military history prints. His artistic talents and appreciation for history were reflected in his work, including a piece on display at New Bern Battlefield Park. Art and history were woven throughout his life both professionally and personally. He met his wife in a drawing class, making their shared love of art a special part of their story.

He was the founder and president of the Fort Macon Civil War Roundtable. He was also involved with model railroading, plastic modeling, art clubs, and he was a member of the Friends of the Library. An attendant of First Presbyterian Church where he valued his time spent with his church family. Brian was an avid reader, genealogical researcher, he also enjoyed horseback riding, dancing, hiking, and listening to classical music. It was a life well lived. Brian truly loved teaching and inspired many students throughout his life.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years, Jeannie Kraus of the home; son, Forrest Kraus (Chelsey Stephenson) of Beaufort, N.C.; sisters, Karen Kraus Peiritsch of Cheswick, PA., Anne Kraus Macklin (Andy) of Newport, N.C.; brother, Jay Kraus of Jacksonville, N.C.; granddaughter, Penelope Catherine Kraus; a grandson arriving in January; along with extended family, including nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Bruce Kraus; and brother-in-law, Tom Peiritsch.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome and donations may be made to Friends of Fort Macon, 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach, N.C. 28512.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.