Geraldine Kranzo

Geraldine Pearl “Gerri” Kranzo age 87 of Hawks was called home to be with her Lord on April 10, 2023.

She was born November 18, 1935 in Case Township to Leonard and Laurabelle (Middaugh) Rieger.

Gerri was Baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moltke on December 23, 1935; Confirmed at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Onaway on April 2, 1950. She graduated from Onaway High School in 1954 then graduated from Michigan County Normal Teaching School in 1955. Gerri worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Rogers City Community Schools for several years.

She married Leslie Kranzo on November 21, 1959. Gerri was an excellent cook, homemaker and caring mother who lovingly raised their children. She loved to plant and harvest produce from her plentiful garden where she canned various vegetables for her large pantry. She was an avid reader and was especially fond of Amish history. Gerri also enjoyed playing hymns on the piano.

Gerri and her husband of 63 years especially enjoyed quiet time every morning in daily bible study which gave her a strong faith in Jesus who forgives our sins through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Gerri instilled this faith in her family and was a great example for them. Not many family members could compete with Gerri as she was an avid bowler who regularly participated in a bowling league when she was younger. Gerri enjoyed traveling, and over the years was able to visit most states across the country. She especially liked visiting the northwest and the northeast in fall season to experience the beautiful fall colors. Gerri and Les resided in Florida during the winter months, however once it became too difficult to make the trip they sold their residence in Lakeland. Gerri was a huge Detroit Tiger’s baseball fan who watched every game and attended spring training games.   Gerri enjoyed hard physical work, and one of the largest projects on the Kranzo homestead included the planting of over 24,000 pine and spruce tree seedlings. These were planted while Gerri rode a tree planter for days at a time while Les pulled it behind their John Deere tractor. Les tried to encourage her to drive the tractor while he planted, as she said I can’t drive straight enough. In closing she was a perfect example of a devout Christian, a loving wife and caring mother for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, however we know that now resides in heaven with God our heavenly Father.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Rieger and Laurabelle (Middaugh)  Rieger-Schweisow, a sister Leona (Pomranke) Rieger, brothers Leonard Rieger Jr. and Rolland Rieger, and a granddaughter Sarah Way.

Surviving siblings include; sisters, Sharon Johnston and Deborah Kreft; Leslie “Les” and Geraldine “Gerri” Kranzo were blessed with three children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren; Pamela (Brian) Dobberstein Child – Scott (Dawn) Dobberstein Children Brooklyn and Avery Dobberstein, Alan (Tamara) Kranzo Children – Natalie Kranzo and Claire Kranzo, Ellen (Scott) Hagen Child – Ashley (Seth) Kuznicki Children Adilyn and Paisley Kuznicki.

Friends may visit at St. John Lutheran Church in Royston on Friday, April 14th from 6-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of her funeral at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jason Mandley officiating.

Burial will take place later in the day at Bismarck Township Cemetery.

Those who would like to contribute a memorial gift, please consider a donation in memory of Gerri Kranzo to Hospice of Michigan at www.HOM.org or to St John Lutheran Church of Royston.