The CAN DO family of volunteers and staff is mourning the loss of one of its longest-serving members, Arthur A. Krause, who died on Monday, March 1.
A lifelong West Hazleton resident, Art was active with CAN DO for decades and served as the agency’s historian.
“Everyone at CAN DO will miss Art. I’ve known and worked with him for more than 30 years. He had a remarkable knowledge of the Hazleton area and a true commitment to improving this region,” said CAN DO President Kevin O’Donnell. “The CAN DO staff joins me in expressing our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Art’s knowledge, guidance and friendship will be missed.”
Art began his association with the Greater Hazleton Industrial Development group, CAN DO Inc., when he was elected to its board of directors in 1958. He served on the Executive Committee since 1959 and on the Industrial Development Committee for more than 30 years, giving him the distinction of serving continuously as a committee chairman longer than any other member.
In 1971, Art was elected the first president to succeed CAN DO's founder, Dr. Edgar L. Dessen, who held the position since 1956.
In 1993, Art was elected president of the newly formed CAN DO Community Foundation, an area-wide non-profit charitable foundation that was formed to promote Hazleton area programs and projects that would enhance its position through support of worthwhile charitable programs.
Art was also part of a small group of CAN DO volunteers who wrote “Upon the Shoulders of Giants: The CAN DO Story,” which told the story of the first 35 years of the agency’s existence (Art would later write two other books about local history).
“Art was a fixture at CAN DO. He would attend many meetings, our annual dinners, and other events, and he was always ready to tell a good story about the early days of CAN DO,” said John J. Spevak, Chairman of the Board of CAN DO. “The entire CAN DO volunteer board will miss Art’s warm personality and his historical knowledge.”
Outside of CAN DO, Art had a longstanding involvement with the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, he served on the local board of directors as president and vice president, and was a board member of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce. He was declared an honorary life member of the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.
Art was one of 16 children. He was a member and vice president of West Hazleton High School Class of 1939 and a Navy veteran of World War II.
He was extremely active in various community, church and civic organizations.
While serving as vice president of the chamber in 1965, Art served as master of ceremonies of the awards dinner during which the Hazleton area was designated an All-America City. This gathering was the largest dinner assemblage in the history of the area.
Surviving are Art’s wife of 67 years, the former Arlene Baker; a son; a daughter; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; a brother; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions to CAN DO Community Foundation, 1 S. Church St., Hazleton, PA 18201; the Hazleton Area Public Library, 55 N. Church St., Hazleton, PA 18201; or to Trinity Lutheran Church, Fifth and Green streets, West Hazleton, PA 18202, are encouraged by the family.
