John C. Van Kraanen

John C. Van Kraanen, age 77, of Friendship, Wisconsin, and Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Cedar Crest in Janesville, Wisconsin. He was born on July 24, 1946, in San Bernardino, California, the son of Donald Van Kraanen and Betty (Smith) Van Kraanen.

John was raised in Janesville, Wisconsin, living with his paternal grandparents, Anton J. Van Kraanen and Clara (Colson) Van Kraanen. He grew up helping at their store, Van's Liquor Store on West Milwaukee Street. John graduated from Janesville High School in 1965. He began working at Gilman Engineering & Mfg. Co. as a Machine Operator, and he progressed to Journeyman Machinist in 1974. He also worked at Dana Corp., Fairbanks Morse, and returned to Gilman before leaving the trade in 2001. John became a licensed commercial truck driver and worked for Roehl Transport for a short time. He ended his driving and employment years driving for Bula-Gieringer Farms, delivering potatoes to many locations. John especially enjoyed his time as a driver at Bula and always had many stories to tell.

John has lived for the last 21 years in Friendship, Wis., enjoying his favorite past time of fishing, making lures, jigs, poles, and just about anything to do with fishing. He also loved riding his Harley Davidsons over the years, including trips out to Sturgis with friends. While the last few years have not been easy on John, he was never one to complain, always there with a good joke, a quick comeback, or a text message meme. In 2022, he was able to get up to "the Chip" for a few more fishing trips, which were a special highlight and source of good memories.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; former wife, Judith (Dutcher) Thomas; and two grandsons, Walter Van Kraanen and Austin Van Kraanen. John is survived by his children born from his marriage to Judith, Mary (Doris Smith) Shepherd, of Tucson, Arizona, Connie Van Kraanen, of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Dale (Betty) Van Kraanen of Tucson, Arizona; his former wife, Theresa Van Kraanen, and stepdaughter, Christine (Allen) Hermanson, of Janesville, Wisconsin; a half-brother, Duane (Sopheap) Van Kraanen of Stoughton, Wisconsin; half-sisters, Carol McCarthy, and Cindy (Bill) Schafer, both of Janesville, Wisconsin; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Many heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of MercyCare Hospice and all of the staff, nurses, and aides at Cedar Crest.

A memorial gathering celebrating John’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL HOME, 1618 E. Racine St., Janesville.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Janesville is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.