Clair Kranz

Kranz, Clair L. (Ramthun) MONTANA - Clair L. (Ramthun) Kranz, age 82, passed away on Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, in Glasgow, Mont. She was born March 29, 1925, in Richfield Township, Washington County, Wis., to the late Paul and Helen (Kurtz) Ramthun. Clair grew up on a dairy farm, graduated from Slinger High School in 1942 and married Robert Kranz of Milwaukee in 1951. She lived in a time when women were choosing to straddle the traditional roles of wife and mother and professional career woman. As a young adult, Clair left the family farm and moved to Milwaukee to work as a cosmetologist. She continued working after marrying Robert and owned and operated her own salon in Neenah for many years. Later in life she worked in real estate and advertising and was a Hospice volunteer. Clair was active in Winnebago County politics and was a delegate at state party conventions in the late 1970s. At home she was an outstanding cook and baker, who excelled at preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for her entire family. She was proud to have raised three happy, independent boys. Clairs interests included reading; Max Shulman was a favorite author, writing poetry and singing. She was fond of flowers and had a talent for growing roses, African violets, and geraniums. Clair loved to vacation with her husband, Robert, especially to Destin, Fla. and Las Vegas. Clair was preceded in death by her son, Terry in November 2004 and husband, Robert in November 2005. She is survived by her son, Robert Jr. (Jill) and grandson, Eddie of Middleton; son, Kit of Menasha; daughter-in-law, Diana of Green Bay; granddaughter, Teri Lyn (Dan) Drella; great-granddaughter, Lilianna and great-grandson, Brody of Green Bay; and grandson, Eric (Nicole) of Manitowoc. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A light lunch will follow the service. Memorials may be made to the Valley View Nursing Home Foundation, 1225 Perry Lane, Glasgow, MT 59230.