Obituary for Gary J. Krause, Jr. | Ferfolia Funeral Home

Gary J. Krause Jr 51, of Mantua, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday October 27th, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.

He was a graduate of Bedford High School, where he studied machine trades. He spent most of his career working as a machinist until his passion for classic cars became his livelihood.

He met his wife at the Bedford MetroParks cruisin’ in his 1967 Chevelle, as she had one too. They married in 1994 and had two beautiful children that he was very proud of.

Gary left his machining career to pursue his passion for building cars. They bought Mongoose Motorsports in October of 2010. Gary was most proud of having built 9 cars for the Fast Five movie along with the opportunity to have one in Fast & Furious 8. He was proud to have built Grand Sport Corvettes with owners all over the world. As the business evolved into classic car restoration all of his customers became his friends. In 2013, Gary coordinated a car cruise called Octane Nights that grew so big it became the largest one day event in Portage County bringing upwards of 10,000 people to Rumble Ravenna. In 2015, the opportunity arose for him to purchase Portage Trim, this acquisition completed his dream by making Mongoose Motorsports a one-stop restoration shop. His latest accomplishment was selling two Grand Sports to NASCARs great, Ray Evernham.

Everyone who knew Gary knows that he was a pretty quiet guy until you started talking about cars. He built a strong company that his wife, children, and talented team of employees who he considered family will continue to carry on his legacy.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tricia, his daughter, Carlee and his son, Neko. He also leaves his mother Phyllis Krause (Fred Miller), his brother Matt Krause (Desiree) and many nieces and his nephew. He is preceded in death by his father Gary Sr. and his grandparents.

Private Services will take place for the family. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.