Wayne Dennis Krauss, 82, a long-time resident of Lower Salford Township, PA, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of January 8, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 37 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" Louise (Foltz) Krauss, on July 13, 2008. Surviving are two sons, Kurt W. Krauss and his wife, Lauren, and their children, Ryan and Ella, of Annandale, VA; and Kent L. Krauss and his wife, Becky, and their children, Jenna and Owen, of Harleysville, PA, brother, Robert L. Krauss of Woodland Park, CO, and sister-in-law, Barbara (Foltz) Ogle and her husband, David, of Rosemont, PA, and their family. He was lovingly known as "Opa" (German for grandfather) by his family, large extended family, and friends.

Born July 13, 1941, in Sellersville, PA, Dennis was the son of the late Wayne and Grace (Ziegler) Krauss. He affectionately shared stories of growing up in the Mainland Inn, Harleysville, PA, which his parents owned and ran for 35 years. He was a 1959 graduate of Souderton Area High School, earned his B.A. from Ursinus College in 1963, earned his M.A. in 1965 and Secondary Principal's Certification in 1975, both from Lehigh University. A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Dennis was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the First Oak Leaf Cluster and served with the U. S. Army Medical Corps. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in 1972.

Dennis built a long-lasting legacy centered on family, education, and public service. After a career focused on education and service to the Lower Salford Township and region, in 2010, Dennis was nominated and inducted into the Souderton Area High School Hall of Fame for his outstanding community service and contributions in the education field. Dennis served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in public school districts across the region. He was a servant leader, passionate about making the community better for all. Leading by example, Dennis served on numerous boards and committees, including being the past president and member of the Harleysville Jaycees and Harleysville Lions Club. He served as Scoutmaster and in other leadership roles for Boy Scout Troop 91, Harleysville, PA. To preserve the Pennsylvania Dutch language, Dennis was a 50-year member of the Grundsow Lodge Number 2 of Souderton, PA, and served on the Board of Directors. Dennis also served as a member and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Lower Salford Township for ten years and preserved many open spaces. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Lower Salford Youth Association and was a Souderton and Harleysville Youth Soccer Association Charter Board Member and Coach. Dennis also served as a Souderton Area School District School Board Director.

As a nearly 55-year member of the Harleysville Lions Club, "Lion Dennis" was most proud to receive the Lions Clubs International Melvin Jones Award, the highest recognition of Lions International for outstanding leadership and distinguished service. In the 2000s, Dennis founded and was the first advisor for the Leo Clubs at Twin Valley Middle School, Souderton Area High School, Indian Crest Middle School, and Indian Valley Middle School – a youth organization of Lions Clubs focused on developing leadership qualities in students by participating in social service activities. Dennis's work with the Leo Clubs earned him six prestigious awards.

In his retirement, Dennis was an active member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sumneytown, PA, where he sang in the choir. Dennis remained involved in education as a substitute school administrator and teacher. He loved gardening and sharing flowers with family and friends throughout the community, especially after a nice lottery win. Dennis enjoyed cheering for Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies and the Eagles and made friends wherever he went. He was happiest when spending time with his immediate family, his large extended family, and friends who were like family. His joy for life came from watching his family grow, give back, and thrive.

Family will receive friends from 10-11:45 am on Friday, February 2, 2024, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3104 Main St., Green Lane, PA 18054, where the public memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will be private at West Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Harleysville Lions Club, P.O. Box 55, Harleysville, PA 19438 (please add memo note: in memory of Dennis Krauss-Leo Club), or to Peter Becker Community, 800 Maple Ave., Harleysville, PA 19438 (please add memo note: Benevolent Fund in memory of Dennis Krauss). Arrangements are by the Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home, Inc. of Franconia, PA.