John Krantz
courtesy photo
John Krantz
RONAN — John Franklin Krantz, Sr., 87, peacefully passed away at his home after a long battle with cancer, on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, with his family surrounding him with love and sadness.
John started his legacy and the first journey of this life on Sept. 26, 1931. From the day of his birth to the day of his death he touched many lives. He was born to Hyram Franklin and Barbara Ann Jakes Krantz and was the third child of 14 children in this family. He was the first boy born in the family and he took that role seriously throughout his life.
John started farming at the age of 5 when his Dad put him on a piece of equipment with horses and the life of a rancher/ farmer started until his last day of this life. He became familiar with the drill, plow, harrow, and rock boat using horses until he was put on his first tractor at the age of 14. John loved the land and his ranch life; he rarely traveled, as he had to be home to tend the many responsibilities of the ranch. He taught his children work ethics and integrity as all four were given chores while we lived at home and even as adults when we returned home. Work was the hobby and career of this humble man and he took great pride in working with his hands and watching the ranch/farm prosper and flourish, as well as his family.
John was married twice, from 1952-1978 to Olga Louella Priddy and from 1982-2016 to Sylvia Wilson.
His family was always important to him and he valued each and every child and grandchild. He was always there to support and help each one and loved holding and guiding the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John raised four children in the Round Butte area starting in 1954 and he accumulated ranch/ farm land to make a life for his family. John also worked at Plum Creek Lumber Company for several years while growing his ranch and supporting the family. John remained on the ranch that he loved until the end of his life. John and his son Johnnie farmed/ ranched together in the Round Butte area and had a partnership for 47 years.
John was a man of honesty and integrity and would always lend a hand to the neighbors when needed. When the sons were in high school, he drove school bus to the activity events and was a sideline supporter.loved square dancing for many years, country western music and he liked to sing and dance. He remembered poems he memorized in school and would often recite these for his kids and grandkids.
He took great pride in his large extended family and was especially proud of the Krantz cemetery in St. Ignatius that was started when one of his brothers died at a young age. John helped his Dad and grandfather set up the initial cemetery. This family cemetery will be his resting place.
John is survived by four children: Barbara Mae Krantz Markham of Ronan, John Franklin Krantz, Jr. of Ronan, Mark Allen Krantz of Ronan, Jay Lynn and LouAnne Krantz of Polson. He is survived by six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Gordon Thomas Markham and Morgan Markham of Guam, Logan James Krantz and Ciarra Krantz of Helena, Marki Lynn Krantz of Polson, Addie Louise Krantz and Justan Kinsel of Post Falls, Idaho, Lanie Marie Krantz and Tyrell Cook of Bozeman, Skyla Ann Krantz of Post Falls, Idaho, Julie Kay Summers Thomas and Wes Thomas of Ronan, Erin Michelle Summers Beaudette and Jesse Beaudette of Missoula. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and six great-step-grandchildren. His surviving siblings are: Judith Mae Krantz Stahl of Gresham, Oregon, Darlene Krantz Mendler of Missoula, Richard (Dick) and Joan Krantz of St. Ignatius, Peggy Krantz Delaurenti and John Delaurenti of Ronan, Dennis and Melvina Krantz of St. Ignatius, Nancy Krantz Rider and Robert Rider of Ronan, Robert and Alberta Krantz of Johnstown, Colorado. He is also survived my multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Hyram Franklin and Barbara Ann Jakes Krantz; his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Krantz Rogers, his brothers, Thomas Albert Krantz, Edward Gerald Krantz, Jesse Hyram Krantz, Russell David Krantz, and Ronald Jerry Krantz.
Services have been held. Messages of condolences maybe shared with the family online at: www. shriderthompson.com.
The family requests no flowers, but would rather you donate to the Mission Valley United Methodist Church, the Round Butte Women’s Clubhouse or a charity of your choice in John’s name.
