POMONA, CA. – Kyle Krause, former Cal Poly Pomona student-athlete, and member of the 2009 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Runner-Up team, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021. He was 34 years old.
At 6'8" Kyle played center for the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos from 2005-2009, amassing 133 career points. Kyle redshirted for the 2004-05 season, but the Broncos were 75-41 during Kyle's playing career. He also helped the Broncos claim a CCAA Regular Season Championship and a NCAA West Region Championship in 2009.
However, he is most notably recognized for his academic excellence, being recognized as a four-time All-CCAA Academic Award winner, a three-time D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient and the Cal Poly Pomona Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2005, 2007 and 2009. Additionally, he was named to the NABC Honors Court in 2008 and twelve-time Cal Poly Pomona Dean's List recipient. He graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2009, and received his Executive Masters of Business Association from Michigan State University in 2018.
Kyle was also President of the Cal Poly Pomona Baja Racing team which designs, builds and races in the annual International Collegiate Off-Road Vehicle Competition. Kyle and his team won the 2008 competition, beating nearly 200 entries, bringing bragging rights home to the Cal-Poly Pomona School of Engineering.
While attending Cal Poly Pomona, Kyle met the love of his life, and immediately following graduation married Erin Wendt on June 27, 2009. On December 16, 2013, Kyle and Erin welcomed their first son, Colton, and 19 month's later, on July 6, 2015, they welcomed their second son, Owen.
In April 2020, Kyle moved his family to Waterford, Michigan and purchased a waterfront home on Watkins Lake. That same month he began his new job with Cadillac Products Automotive Company (CPAC) where he continued his legacy as a premier problem solver, designer and builder of automation machinery to enhance productivity. Kyle loved working at CPAC, where he felt blessed to work for a family-owned company that provides employees the ability to achieve and create their own path within the organization.
Kyle Edward Krause, 34, of Waterford, Mi. Passed away March 21, 2021. Loving husband of Erin. Devoted father of Colton and Owen. Cherished son of Kincade and Kathleen Krause. Brother of Justin Krause. Grandson of Marie and the late Victor Krause and Carl and the late June Jorgensen. Son-in-law of Melissa and Paul Wendt. Brother-in-law of Karl (Krista) Wendt.
Broncos Men's Basketball Head Coach Greg Kamansky…
"Hearing the passing of Kyle was completely heartbreaking for his extended family here in the Cal Poly Pomona Basketball program. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, his two young boys, his parents, and others that he so dearly loved. Kyle was the gold standard in our program when it came to the word "student-athlete" and "sacrifice" to the teams he participated on. He was undoubtedly one of the most hard-working, unselfish players to have put on the CPP uniform and lived his life the exact same way. Of all the honors he received here at CPP athletically and academically, he will be best remembered as a great human being, someone who made this world a better place."
Cal Poly Pomona Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Brian Swanson…
"Cal Poly Pomona sends our heartfelt condolences to the entire Krause family. Kyle was everything that is right about college athletics. He was the quintessential student-athlete, teammate and outstanding representative of Bronco Athletics. Kyle was always positive and had a great attitude. We will always be honored to call Kyle a Bronco."
Kyle's teammate Hervey Malone…
"I was heartbroken to learn about the loss of Kyle Krause. I had a special bond with players like him and Larry Gordon, both players that I took under my wing during my time as a captain on the team. Kyle and I hit it off right away. He was a big guy that had a kind heart so it was easy to connect with him. He fit right in on the team and all the players loved him. He was a tough competitor and never backed down when competing. He also knew when to laugh and smile. It was an honor to see him step up and become a leader on the team as he became more vocal in practices and games. He was a model teammate by the way he carried himself on and off the court. Our special bond continued to grow after our basketball days were over, because we would always connect when he visited California and we let our boys play together. The legacy Kyle left behind will not be forgotten by his teammates and coaches and the impact and he had on me changed my life forever."
Kyle's teammate Austin Swift…
"Kyle was smart, kind, wise and many other adjectives, but the one that resonates with me most is thoughtful. Kyle was someone who always told you how he felt and what you needed to hear at the appropriate time. He was someone grounded in a strong moral compass and was exceptional at being true to his values. "
