(West Des Moines)– William Krause, the co-founder of the Iowa-based convenience store chain Kum and Go, has died.
The company says Krause died this (Wednesday) morning at his West Des Moines home after being treated for cancer. He was 78.
Krause is recognized as a pioneer in developing the convenience store format. He opened a family-owned store in 1959 and expanded on the idea that customers could buy milk, bread and eggs at the same place as their gasoline.
Krause retired from the company in 2003. He was a member of many philanthropic boards and community organizations. His strong support for the University of Iowa included a donation toward the renovation of Kinnick Stadium.
Kum & Go is the country’s fifth largest privated held convenience store chain. It is based in West Des Moines.
Krause was a longtime seasonal resident of the Iowa Great Lakes.
