Local band organizes concert for deceased member's son

Suzanne Krause's life was changed forever on Jan. 22 along a set of railroad tracks in Downers Grove.

It was during rush hour, around 4:43 p.m., when witnesses said they saw a late-model Toyota driving east on the Metra tracks. When the car reached Fairview Avenue, it collided with the westbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train No. 1243.

The driver was pronounced dead at 5:01 p.m. at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

His name was Benson Krause. He was 29 and a resident of Westmont.

He also was Suzanne's husband and the father of their infant son, Julian.

Benson's legacy

For 10 years, from 1993 to 2003, Benson Krause was the lead singer of a band called Ophur, a well-known group in the Chicago area.

Ophur performed at popular venues such as the House of Blues and the Metro in Chicago. They played with bands like Lucky Boys Confusion and the Plain White T's, who went on to achieve national success.

"Pretty much everyone playing really admired Ophur and Benson," band member Nick Palazzo said. "Benson was an amazing singer who really inspired so many artists and musicians around the area, as well as us."

His legacy involved more than music, though -- he also left behind his 22-month-old son, Julian.

"Julian, my son, was the most important thing in Benson's life," said Suzanne, 21. "The last conversation I had with him was about how he wanted … to be the best husband and father he could be."

The couple had struggled financially for some time. Benson had been working as a waiter at Max and Erma's in Woodridge for 10 years and was never able to go to college.

His death left Suzanne, who works at the Adventures in Learning day-care center in Naperville, with the prospect of raising their son on her own.

"It's pretty impossible for me, being by myself, to do a lot," Suzanne said. "There are a lot of struggles I'm facing now financially that I probably will be facing for a period of time."

Luckily, she's not alone. Members of her family and Benson's family live in the area.

And they're willing to help the young mom try to move on with her life and care for her young son.

Bright ideas

Benson's brother-in-law, Ben Cravy, had the idea of opening a Bright Start college fund for Julian. Instead of donating money or flowers at Benson's wake, family and friends could contribute to the fund.

"Lots of people did; it was wonderful," Suzanne said. "Even the smallest amount of money we can make will be (growing) there for the next years. So, even if it's a small amount of money, it will be beneficial to Julian."

Though they had grown apart over the years, Benson's former band mates from Ophur wanted to help the family as well, but money was scarce.

Chris Tiritili, who had worked with Ophur, suggested performers who had known Benson should hold a benefit concert.

"There were so many musicians at the funeral that have admired Benson," Palazzo said. "It was just a genius idea to use what we have to do something for him."

Tiritili and Palazzo worked with Suzanne to organize the event, which will be from 6 to 10 p.m. today at the Celebration Community Life Center, 919 S. Washington St., Naperville.

Tickets are $10. Guests will hear performances by six local groups, including a tribute to Ophur, performed by the group's remaining members.

Suzanne said she hopes the event will attract Ophur's old fan base and that they will bring along happy memories.

"When you say 'Ophur,' it makes people smile," she said. "They remember the great highlights of Benson's life, as opposed to the last 18 months when he was just struggling … to be a good dad. That's all he wanted to do, and he worked his butt off to do that."

Facing forward

Though the future will hold its own struggles for Julian, Suzanne said the help she has received from family and friends will go a long way.

Tonight's concert will be another step in that process.

"Obviously, growing up without a father is going to prove very difficult for Julian," she said. "But since his dad was such an amazing person, (Benson's) friends are trying to give (Julian) something (Benson) never had -- an education."

Tonight's show will be a family event meant for all ages. There will be no heavy metal, swearing or alcohol.

For details about the show or how to help, visit bensonkrause.com or e-mail Suzanne at suzanne.krause@sbcglobal.net.

If you go

What: Local bands perform a concert to benefit the Julian Krause college fund

When: 6 to 10 p.m. today

Where: Celebration Community Life Center, 919 S. Washington St., Naperville

Cost: $10

Info: bensonkrause.com