Service Information
Roger Krantz, age 87, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held two hours prior to the service at the church.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Memorials preferred to Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota, McLeod County Historical Society or The Disabled American Veterans.
Obituary
Roger Gordon Krantz was born on March 13th, 1931 in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Edward and Myrtle (Lewerenz) Krantz. He received his education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, Class of 1949. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College, then enlisted in the U.S. Airforce on January 9, 1951 during the Korean conflict. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and received an Honorable Discharge on January 8, 1955, at the rank of Staff Sargent. After his service, Roger returned to Gustavus to complete his B.S. Education degree in 1957.
Roger began his business career with the 3M Company in St. Paul in Employment and College Recruiting. Roger finished his career as a Human Resources leader with Minnesota Power in Duluth, MN. He was an active community leader with the United Way in Topeka, KS and later appointed by the Minnesota Governor to serve on the MN State Health Care Access Commission. In 2012, Roger was inducted as an Outstanding Graduate of Hutchinson High School.
On June 29th, 1957, Roger was united in marriage to Lois Oleson at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters whom he loved dearly, Jo Ellen and Mary Beth. Roger and Lois shared 61 years of marriage.
Roger loved sports of all types and participated in football, basketball, baseball and track in High School, continuing football and track in college. He enjoyed wood working and refinishing and restoring furniture. Roger loved playing golf, traveling, new cars and a well-manicured lawn. In retirement, Roger and Lois enjoyed many wonderful trips. His favorite was to New Zealand and Australia to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. He also enjoyed the men’s Bible Study at church and the coffee group at Hardees.
Roger passed away on Thursday, September 13th at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 87 years. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, who has now gone to sleep with the Lord.
Roger is survived by his wife Lois, daughters Jo Ellen Krantz (Mike Calahan) of Chicago and Mary Beth Krantz of Chicago. He is also survived by two special grandchildren, Jenny Calahan and Luke Calahan, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Roger was proceeded in death by this Parents, Edward and Myrtle Krantz; Mother and Father-In-Law, Ray and Anna Oleson; Brothers-In-Law Russell Oleson and Roger Oleson; Sisters-In-Law Carol Peterson, Fern Oleson, Opal Oleson, and Betty Myhr.
Andrea Koenig says
Lois and girls~~~~Arnie has lost the best lunch buddy ever. They shared so many Thursdays over the years. Chuck and Arnie will miss him dearly. I, too, will miss Roger’s emails and his jokes and his witty personality.
We love you, Lois,
Arnie and Andy Koenig
William (Bill) Wolf says
Lois, please accept my condolences to you and your family regarding Roger’s passing. Having had the privilege of going through school with Roger, I have always admired Roger for so many reason. He was a very personable, intelligent, athletic (a star in all sports) and a very nice good looking person, that you would like to have as a friend.
Lois, I’m sure you and your family will miss him dearly.
HAROLD W Rippe says
Sad to learn of Rogers death. Fellow classmate 1949.
Heidi Webster says
Our entire family loved Roger and we have such great memories of him growing up in Minnesota! We are sending you tons of love and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything. Love, from Heidi, Rory and Leah (plus Mom and Dad in Heaven)
Leah and Pat Baxter says
Hi Lois , Mary beth and JoEllen, So sorry to hear about Roger. I remember many fond memories as a kid getting together with you guys. He is now with my mom and dad, miss them all. Love to you and your family. Leah and Pat Baxter and family.
Kathy Burris says
Jo Ellen and family,
I am so sad for you! Your father was such a nice man. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family!
Hugs and prayers!