Morgan Krause, Minnesota Public Radio Host, Dies Tragically 
Her Goal In life Was to Live it to The Fullest

Bemidji Pioneer

By Casey Hanson

 Published February 11, 2020  

Morgan Krause, a Minnesota Public Radio host, outdoor enthusiast, and member of the National Ski Patrol died Monday at the age of 27 in Eloy, Arizona, while on vacation.

 Her death was caused by a freak accident when her parachute failed to open while she was skydiving, reported her sister, Annalee Leach.

 Krause, born May 7^th 1992, was raised in the Bemidji area most of her life. “Our Turtle River home just doesn’t feel the same without her presence,” said her mother, Joanne Krause. “She always made the place a little brighter.”

 Krause’s family was very important to her and a huge influence on her life. Hugh and Joanne Krause always believed in spending as much time with their two daughters as much a possible. “When the girls were young we never had babysitters because it was important for us to spend time with them,” said Joanne.

The family spent their summer weekends on their Canadian island on Rainy Lake where family projects included cutting trails, working on the cabin, and having some occasional fun time. “It was important for us to teach our kids hard work and to appreciate the small things in life,” said Krause’s father Hugh. “Without this, I don’t think Morgan would have been the amazing person she was.” The family of four also spent much of their time in Red Lodge, Mont., where they enjoyed skiing as a family hobby and working on their family home.

Krause attended Bemidji State University where she majored in mass communication. Although Krause never played a musical instrument her passion was music. “Morgan always knew her music facts and could outsmart anyone who tried to challenge that fact,” said long-time friend Kali Sandmeyer.

Landing an internship her senior year through a local Bemidji public station, KBXE, jump-started her future in the business. She got her first real job offer in a city that close to her heart. Montana Public Radio offered her a position through their Billings studio, and with no hesitation, she made the move west. Krause worked full-time for the station: in addition she spent her spare time at the family home in Red Lodge and worked part-time with the National Ski Patrol. “It was a perfect first job for her,” said her sister Annalee. “She got to do the two things she loved the most.”

Krause eventually left Montana after a three-year stay to move a bit closer to home. She landed a position at the popular Minnesota Public Radio station in Twin Cities called The Current. “Playing the music that Morgan wanted to without little restriction was important to her,” said her mother Joanne. “She liked to show the public her true colors through the songs she played.”

“This is only the beginning for me,” Krause told the Star Tribune in a recent interview. “My goal in life is to make a difference in the way people perceive music. It’s the simple things in life that really have the biggest impact.”

 Survivors include father, Hugh Krause; mother, Joanne (Archer) Krause; sister Annalee (Krause) Leach; and brother-in law Pat Leach. All reside in Bemidji.