Calvin A. Krantz, 90, of Elk Mound, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2016, with his family by his side. Cal was born on January 2, 1926, in Cumberland, WI to Axel and Minnie (Milkie) Krantz. Cal was raised on a dairy farm and graduated from Cumberland High School with the Class of 1944. He attended UW-River Falls and pursued a degree in Forestry. He spent one year being a tour bus driver at Yellowstone National Park and worked construction on various projects at UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stevens Point, power plants in Alma, Taconite Mines in Northern Minnesota, Duncan yo-yo company in Luck, St. Bede's Priory, Holiday Inn and Mid-Way Motor Lodge, all in Eau Claire. When Cal worked on building the power plant in Alma, he met his wife, Bette. They were married in 1964 and together moved to Elk Mound where he continued working construction and farming. Cal also donated his time and talents to the local community helping the Fosbroke 4-H Club, Habitat for Humanity, many neighbors and various projects and committees at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church. Cal was a member of the Local Carpenters Union for 61 years and Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church for over 52 years. He enjoyed wood-working, playing bingo at Westgate, taking vegetables to family and friends, deer hunting and taking rides in the car to visit people. Cal is survived by his son, Calvin D. Krantz of Pewaukee, WI; daughter, Julie Krantz Messersmith of Aptos, CA; three step-sons, Joe Dale of Alma, David Dale of Tonopah, NV, Roger Dale (Priscilla) of Sanger, TX; six grandchildren, Casey Messersmith, Brendan Krantz, Jill Dale, Jenny (Steve) Ehlenfeldt, Michael Dale, and Matthew Dale; four great grandchildren, Noah and Joshua Ehlenfeldt, Braedon Dale and Eli Kinsey Dale; one sister, Carol Kellerman of Cumberland; and numerous great and great-great nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bette; daughter, Christie; daughter-in-law, Diane Dale; three sisters, Clarice Hopkins, Shirley Bostick and Charlotte Martin; and four brothers, Donald, Buford, Vincent and Gordon Krantz. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, 207 University St. in Elk Mound, with Pastor Mary Eide officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm, on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at the WEST CHAPEL of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in the town of Elk Mound. The family would like to thank Appeal to Heaven nurses and caregivers, Mayo Clinic Home Health & Hospice, and many close friends for all their support. Memorials or donations may be directed to Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Elk Mound.
Service Information
Cemetery
Evergreen Cemetery, Elk Mound
Elk Mound WI
Visitation
Tuesday, December 20 2016
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel
1405 North Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Visitation
Wednesday, December 21 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church
207 University Street
Elk Mound WI 54739
Funeral Service
Wednesday, December 21 2016
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church
207 University Street
Elk Mound WI 54739
