IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Kenneth
Kranz
January 1, 1950 – January 26, 2024
Obituary
***The West Bend Daily News will run the full obituary on 2/9/24 & 2/14/24**
Kenneth H. Kranz will forever be known for having an impact on the lives of others. He was born January 1, 1950 to parents, Eugene and Virginia Kranz of Jackson, WI. He took great pride in being an outdoorsman and was a lover of athleticism, competition, and family. Although 74 is a lifetime to some, it is never enough for those who love them . On January 26, 2024, Ken unfortunately lost a short but courageous battle with an aggressive cancer.
As a Slinger High school graduate, Ken scored the first touchdown on the still standing Slinger H.S. Football field. He excelled in track, which led to his acceptance to UW-Stout, where he graduated in 1972. He played football, ran track, and cross country. He was part of the only conference championship for track in the school's history. His greatest victory, however, was securing the love of his life, Rebecca Smith, in October of freshman year . Together they would go on to raise a family and build an amazing life.
Ken's work ethic was unmatched. He started his mechanical career at Reis Standard in Slinger before transferring to Sommers Cars in Mequon as their standout technician. His hard work allowed him to fulfill his dreams and the dreams of others when he purchased his dream hunting farm, which he meticulously maintained. He took pride in producing trophy bucks.
After playing softball and basketball 5 times a week, Ken transferred to cycling at the age of 40. Via Pedal Moraine Cycles, he was sponsored by Trek's grassroots program. He competed in the Firehouse 50, Race the Lake (92 miles), Ore to shore (48 miles), and the Chequamegon Fat Tire 40. His star achievement was riding 1700 miles in one summer. He looked forward to riding the 2024 season.
Ken's magnetic force was felt by everyone. He heavily influenced getting others into cycling and guided people along in their careers and lives. His humor was unmatched and subtle, which was a weapon in his arsenal of personality. He would play practical jokes and laugh about them for days. He was the ultimate man, with a heart of gold and a giving nature. His fatherly guidance produced 3 successful sons that will forever carry on his legacy.
An expert in Arctic Cat vintage snowmobiles, Ken boasted a large collection of products and a wealth of knowledge about the brand and the vehicles. He spent every waking moment together with his best friend and wife Rebecca, supporting one another's hobbies and life experiences.
Ken is survived by his wife of 51 years Rebecca (Smith) Kranz; children Matthew (Amy) Kranz, Marcus (Sarah) Kranz, and Micah Kranz; grandchildren Emily and Cameron Kranz; siblings Terry (Beni) Kranz, Dennis (Aileen) Kranz, and Darryl (Linda) Kranz, Doreen Kranz, Peggy Kruepke, and Donna Wiedenfeld; In-laws Greg (Kim) Smith, Jeff (Lana) Smith, Beth (Peter) Rahko and 99-year young mother-in-law Joan Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Virginia Kranz.
The Family would like to thank Dr. Gary M. Herdrich and his staff for their exceptional care and personal involvement.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Glacier Hills Hall in Glacier Hills Park, 1664 Friess Lake Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033. Visitation from 1pm to 4pm, Stories of Ken at 4pm. Time with family to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.
We are hoping to compile a book of Ken's memories, pictures, and stories. Please bring them to the celebration of life. If you are unable to attend and would like to share, please email them to [email protected]
Kenneth H. Kranz will forever be known for having an impact on the lives of others. He was born January 1, 1950 to parents, Eugene and Virginia Kranz of Jackson, WI. He took great pride in being an outdoorsman and was a lover of athleticism, competition, and family. Although 74 is a lifetime to some, it is never enough for those who love them . On January 26, 2024, Ken unfortunately lost a short but courageous battle with an aggressive cancer.
As a Slinger High school graduate, Ken scored the first touchdown on the still standing Slinger H.S. Football field. He excelled in track, which led to his acceptance to UW-Stout, where he graduated in 1972. He played football, ran track, and cross country. He was part of the only conference championship for track in the school's history. His greatest victory, however, was securing the love of his life, Rebecca Smith, in October of freshman year . Together they would go on to raise a family and build an amazing life.
Ken's work ethic was unmatched. He started his mechanical career at Reis Standard in Slinger before transferring to Sommers Cars in Mequon as their standout technician. His hard work allowed him to fulfill his dreams and the dreams of others when he purchased his dream hunting farm, which he meticulously maintained. He took pride in producing trophy bucks.
After playing softball and basketball 5 times a week, Ken transferred to cycling at the age of 40. Via Pedal Moraine Cycles, he was sponsored by Trek's grassroots program. He competed in the Firehouse 50, Race the Lake (92 miles), Ore to shore (48 miles), and the Chequamegon Fat Tire 40. His star achievement was riding 1700 miles in one summer. He looked forward to riding the 2024 season.
Ken's magnetic force was felt by everyone. He heavily influenced getting others into cycling and guided people along in their careers and lives. His humor was unmatched and subtle, which was a weapon in his arsenal of personality. He would play practical jokes and laugh about them for days. He was the ultimate man, with a heart of gold and a giving nature. His fatherly guidance produced 3 successful sons that will forever carry on his legacy.
An expert in Arctic Cat vintage snowmobiles, Ken boasted a large collection of products and a wealth of knowledge about the brand and the vehicles. He spent every waking moment together with his best friend and wife Rebecca, supporting one another's hobbies and life experiences.
Ken is survived by his wife of 51 years Rebecca (Smith) Kranz; children Matthew (Amy) Kranz, Marcus (Sarah) Kranz, and Micah Kranz; grandchildren Emily and Cameron Kranz; siblings Terry (Beni) Kranz, Dennis (Aileen) Kranz, and Darryl (Linda) Kranz, Doreen Kranz, Peggy Kruepke, and Donna Wiedenfeld; In-laws Greg (Kim) Smith, Jeff (Lana) Smith, Beth (Peter) Rahko and 99-year young mother-in-law Joan Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Virginia Kranz.
The Family would like to thank Dr. Gary M. Herdrich and his staff for their exceptional care and personal involvement.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Glacier Hills Hall in Glacier Hills Park, 1664 Friess Lake Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033. Visitation from 1pm to 4pm, Stories of Ken at 4pm. Time with family to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.
We are hoping to compile a book of Ken's memories, pictures, and stories. Please bring them to the celebration of life. If you are unable to attend and would like to share, please email them to [email protected]
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Kranz, please visit our flower store.
Services
Celebration of Life
January
30
Glacier Hills Hall in Glacier Hills Park
Starts at 4:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: SERVICE DATE IS FEB. 17, 2024. (NOT 1/30/24)
Visitation
February
17
Glacier Hills Hall in Glacier Hills Park
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Kenneth Kranz's Guestbook
Visits: 4
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