Funeral services for Paul Kranich, age 91 of Elgin, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elgin. Pastor Wayne Rouse will officiate with burial in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery at Elgin.


Serving as Honorary Casketbeaerers are his 6 great grandchildren, Cody, Wyatt, Dylan Crawford, Cale, Seth, and Alec Newby.


Serving as Active Casketbearers are his 4 grandchildren, Phillip Clark, Karen Crawford, Linda Newby, Troy Newby, and 2 nephews, Steve Kranich and Clayton Wood.


PAUL KRANICH was born at Elgin, ND on October 28, 1916 to Sam and Julia (Kuehn) Kranich. Paul attended school in Elgin. On July 14, 1937, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Tibke at the Kranich farm north of Elgin and they were married for over 70 years.


Paul and Elizabeth lived and farmed with his parents the first two years and then rented a farm for a couple of years. In 1945, they purchased the Martin Landgrebe farm where they farmed and ranched together until retiring. Paul also did commercial cattle trucking during his farming career and developed many friendships during that time. In 1978, they constructed a home in Elgin and in 2000, they moved into an apartment.


Paul and Elizabeth were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elgin since 1937.


Paul lived his life to the fullest and always enjoyed meeting and visiting with people. He always said "Hi" to everyone and loved telling a story or a joke. He loved his Lord and served in various capacities at Immanuel Lutheran Church including, President and Treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Grant County Farm Bureau and also served as President of the local association. During his retirement, he volunteered many years delivering meals on wheels, stating, "I am fortunate that I can deliver the meal instead of having it delivered to me."


Paul and Elizabeth enjoyed traveling together and took many trips with friends and relatives. One of Paul's favorite places to visit was Branson, Missouri.


Paul passed from this life on October 11, 2008 at the Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin at the age of 91 years, 11 months, 13 days.


Surviving family members include his daughter, Phyllis Clark, Forest City, IA; son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Carol Kranich, Bemidji, MN; 3 grandchildren, Phillip Clark, Karen (John) Crawford, Linda (Troy) Newby; 6 great grandchildren, Cody, Wyatt, Dylan, Cale, Seth, Alec; 3 sisters, Ella Haase, Viola (Kenneth) Roth, Elgin, ND; Nita (Val) Roll, Troutdale, OR.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elizabeth on March 12, 2008; son-in-law, Robert Clark; 4 brothers, Arthur, Herbert, Edgar, and Raymond Kranich; 4 sisters, Hattie Hintz, Ada Dressler, Irene Laub, and Elsie Kranich.


Visitation will be on Tuesday evening from 1:00 to 8:00pm; with the family being present from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin.


A memorial has been established.