Howard E. Kranz, 83, of Wetmore, KS passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Sabetha Hospital. He was born July 20, 1931 in Holton, the son of Fred F. and Josephine (Chick) Kranz.

Howard graduated from Holton High School in 1951. After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1951 – 1955 during the Korean Conflict as Airman 1st Class. He worked for a garage company in Denison and also worked construction for local companies. He was a farmer in Nemaha County and also worked with the State of Kansas Highway Department as an engineer for road maintenance in Horton. He retired from KDOT in 1995 after 36 years.

Howard was a member of the American Legion and Lions Club, both of Wetmore, served on the Wetmore/Sabetha School Boards and was a 4-H Leader in Wetmore.

He married Marion Alice Dittemore on March 22, 1953 in Holton. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his children, Janet Horton (Neil) of Manhattan, KS, Sandy Hutfles (Sam) of Seneca, KS, Dennis Kranz (Carol) of Montgomery, TX, Tammy Ethridge (Troy) of Salina, KS and Mike Kranz (Lisa) of Corinth, TX; 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Roberta Sutton and brothers, Willis and Clarence Kranz.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.  Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Wetmore Cemetery.  The family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday evening.  Memorials may be given to the KSU Foundation and will benefit the Johnson Cancer Research Center in Howard’s name c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, 66436.  To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.