Raymond A. Kranig

Raymond Andrew Kranig, age 94, passed away Friday, September 12, 2008 at Sacred Heart Hospital. He was born April 18, 1914 in Medicine Hat, Canada to Andrew and Paulina (nee Kriplean) Kranig, the fourth of eleven children. As a young man, Ray worked as a hired hand on area farms and in the northern Wisconsin woods. He married the former Edwina Meyer on June 22, 1938 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in the Town of Seymour, Eau Claire County. They farmed for many years on Edwina’s father’s former farm. In 1968, they sold the farm and moved to a residential area near Eau Claire. Edwina died on May 9, 1986. Ray later married the former Elvern Gunderson. Ray enjoyed traveling. He and Edwina visited all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. He later traveled to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He liked to play cards, especially Sheepshead and Bridge and read. Being a life long learner, he earned his GED at the age of 80 from Chippewa Valley Technical College. He also gave back to his community by volunteering at various organizations and served on the Fall Creek School Board. Ray was a life long member of St. Bridget’s Parish. Survivors include his wife: Elvern of Eau Claire, WI; five children: Dale (Diane) Kranig of St. Paul, MN, Eileen (Robert) Faulkner of Sun City West, AZ, Douglas (Robin) Kranig of Eau Claire, WI, Lee (Martha) Kranig of Dallas, TX and Geraldine (Kerry) Connelly of Racine, WI; eleven grandchildren: Leroy, Darrin, Derek, Kimberly, Rhonda, Douglas, Joseph, Danica, Jacob, Bridget, and Patrick; 9 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters: Marie Tingvold of Altoona, WI and Elaine Parsons of Minneapolis, MN; and a sister-in-law: Bernice Kranig of Eau Claire, WI. Further survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife: Edwina; a daughter: Ione Pettis and eight brothers and sisters. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 2801 N. 110th Ave. Burial will be in the church cemetery following mass. Friends may call on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Plombon's All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Service, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, with a 7:00 PM vigil service. Condolences may be made care of the funeral home or online at 866allfaiths.com.