Kraai Gerald M. 1942-2016

KRAAI, BRINK

Posted By: Mary L Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/14/2017 at 12:36:26

Gerald M. Kraai 74, of Overland Park, KS, a partner with Lathrop and Gage law firm, died on Friday April 1, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO.
A memorial service was held on Tues. afternoon April 5 at the Village Presbyterian Church of Prairie Village, KS.

Visitation was held on Monday afternoon and evening April 4, at McGilley and Hoge Memorial Chapel of Overland Park, KS.

I lieu of flowers memorial contributions are asked to the American Heart Ass.

Arrangement were with McGilley and Hoge of Overland Park.

Gerald was born on March 6, 1942, in Orange City to Merlyn and Gertrude (Brink) Kraai.
He was raised in Orange City and educated in Maurice-Orange City public schools, then received a combined degree in mechanical and industrial engineering B.S.I.E. from the University of Iowa and a juris doctor degree from the Iowa Law School.

He joined a Sioux City law firm and immediately became an active trial lawyer, litigating a wide variety of civil lawsuits for individuals and firms in state and federal courts.

In 1981, Kraai joined a Kansas City law firm and continued using his litigation skills while developing as an intellectual property specialist. He became recognized as an expert in copyright, trademark and patent business and trial solutions. As a trial and appellate lawyer, he tried more jury cases and was involved in state or federal court litigation in 19 states. He has negotiated and prepared intellectual property licenses and agreements in the United States and abroad. He has also been heavily involved in new product design and infringement avoidance.

Before joining Lathrop and Gage he managed the intellectual property of Litman, Kraai and Brown in Kansas City and Shughart, Thomson and Kilroy in Kansas City.

His court membership include Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, U.S. for the Seventh Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, U.S. District Court of the District of Kansas, U.S. District Court for the Easter District of Arkansas, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has in all respects been a "Super Lawyer".

He was also a loving father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years; three sons and their wives, Robert and Catherine Kraai , Steven and Katherine Kraai, and William and Kerstin Kraai; daughter and her husband Kerry and Shawn Lansing; 12 grandchildren and one great grandson; and brother Dan Kraai of Orange City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jennifer Kraai.

Source: Orange City Capital 4-14-2016