Gene Chase Kranick

Gene Chase Kranick age 78 of Rush City, formerly of Forest Lake, went home to heaven September 16, 2013. Gene was born October 26, 1934 in Big Lake MN to Blanche and Chase Kranick. October 30, 1960 he married his true love and best friend Barb Reese. They had five girls: Lori, Lisa, Lynn, Leah and Lana; 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who were the center of Gene's universe. Gene lived his life for his family and God and was involved in many activities. Gene worked for 40 years at Honeywell in the Aviation department, at one point helping to build the Space Shuttle. During this time Gene would work 18 - 20 hour days. It was a highlight of his career watching the space shuttle take flight. Besides working long hours to provide for his family, Gene loved to volunteer his time to help others by building wooden toys for needy children that wouldn't get Christmas gifts, or repairing wheelchairs at the Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center where he earned the nickname Wheeler, Gene was always giving to others. When Gene had some spare time he loved to make memories with Barb, his wife of almost 53 years. Through the years they enjoyed many hobbies; square dancing, bowling, Vikings football, gardening, bird watching and traveling- always with a beer in hand and lots of laughter. Gene also had an amazing passion and interest in history especially the Civil War, he was able to recite any battle or General's name. Gene's infectious smile and kind heart will be missed by everyone that knew him. He was a true "Angel on Earth". Go "Waltz Across Texas" dad - we will see you soon. Gene is survived by his soul mate Barb, daughters Lori (Bruce), Lisa, Leah (Roger) and Lana (David), 12 grandchildren - Brian, Stephanie, Ami, Donald, Mattie, Amelia, Alyssa, Mason, Lexi, Amanda, Montgomery, and Addy and 3 great grandchildren Jerric, Isabella and Luca. He is preceded in death by his beautiful daughter 'Pooh Bear' Lynn Maroschek and parents Chase and Blanche Kranick. Reverend John Beck will officiate a memorial service; 11 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2013 at St. John's Lutheran Church of Rush City. A visitation will be held also at the church on Wednesday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Honorary Urn Bearers include Brian Stace, Stephanie Kelley, Ami Kelley, Donald Maroschek, Matthew Kranick, Amelia Maroschek, and Alyssa Stace. Urn bearers are Lexi Rognstad and Mason Palmer. Pathlighters: Amanda Palmer, Montgomery Palmer, and Addy Lewerenz. Arrangements for Gene Kranick are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service - Olson Chapel of Rush City www.funeralandcremationservice.com