1929
Richard
2017
Richard Kranz
March 8, 1929 — October 1, 2017
Richard Kranz, 88, passed away Sunday, October 1, 2017 surrounded by his loving family in Overland Park, Kansas after a long, courageous fight with Alzheimer’s.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Agnes Kranz (Kelter); his two sons, Harty Kranz and wife Roberta, Micol Kranz and wife Jana; five grandchildren, Ashleigh Greenman (Kranz) and husband Daniel, Ryan Kranz and wife Lindsey, Marietanne Nolte, Mariah Nolte, Billy Brimblecom Jr. and wife Allison; great grandchildren, Elle, Jaeden, Kenton, Shantia, Makenna, Leo and Goldie; along with many close family and friends.
The eldest of three children, Richard was born March 8th, 1929 to Richard and Hedwig Kranz in Salzderhelden, Germany, where he lived until September, 1954. In his early years, Richard volunteered as a fire fighter, helped to build airplanes, and excelled in track and field.
Upon graduation from his fine mechanics apprenticeship in Germany, Richard met his wife, Agnes, at a local dance. They were married on September 27, 1952 in Einbeck, Germany. In 1954, Richard and Agnes, along with their young son Harty, immigrated to the United States and moved to Kansas City where he promptly began his work as a machinist at Tension Envelope Corporation.
Richard was truly one of a kind. He was brilliant, innovative, and motivated when it came to his craft. He could make and fix anything, and when he did, it was built to last. He holds 27 United States envelope patents, many of which are still in use today. Richard is recognized and respected within his industry around the world by envelope manufactures for his skills, talents and expertise. Over the years, his technical mastery and reputation earned him the title of Vice President in Manufacturing for Tension Envelope, and he was recognized for founding the Machine Adjusters Training School.
After retiring from Tension Envelope in 2003, with 48 years of service, Richard continued to serve on the board of directors for an additional 10 years. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” and Richard lived by these words both in his personal life, and professionally. He not only took pride in his work and in Tension Envelope, but truly relished in the lasting friendships he made during his time in business.
An avid photographer, Richard loved to travel the world with his adoring wife, and family. He found his passion was behind the lens capturing anything in nature, along with the faces of those he loved and adored. With a keen eye for beauty, Richard was able to thoroughly enjoy many years of memories through his photographs each and every day.
He was a true family man. Richard was a wonderful husband, dedicated father, loving Opa, inspirational mentor, motivated coach and leader, and a true friend to many. Richard will be missed dearly, loved always, and never forgotten by those who hold him dear to their hearts.
A memorial service and celebration of Richard’s life will be held Thursday, October 5, 2017 with a visitation at 10 am and service to follow at 11 am at Johnson County Funeral Chapel 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Richard Kranz’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. Donations can be made online at http://www.alz.org/kansascity or mailed to 3846 W. 75th Street Prairie Village, KS 66208.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Agnes Kranz (Kelter); his two sons, Harty Kranz and wife Roberta, Micol Kranz and wife Jana; five grandchildren, Ashleigh Greenman (Kranz) and husband Daniel, Ryan Kranz and wife Lindsey, Marietanne Nolte, Mariah Nolte, Billy Brimblecom Jr. and wife Allison; great grandchildren, Elle, Jaeden, Kenton, Shantia, Makenna, Leo and Goldie; along with many close family and friends.
The eldest of three children, Richard was born March 8th, 1929 to Richard and Hedwig Kranz in Salzderhelden, Germany, where he lived until September, 1954. In his early years, Richard volunteered as a fire fighter, helped to build airplanes, and excelled in track and field.
Upon graduation from his fine mechanics apprenticeship in Germany, Richard met his wife, Agnes, at a local dance. They were married on September 27, 1952 in Einbeck, Germany. In 1954, Richard and Agnes, along with their young son Harty, immigrated to the United States and moved to Kansas City where he promptly began his work as a machinist at Tension Envelope Corporation.
Richard was truly one of a kind. He was brilliant, innovative, and motivated when it came to his craft. He could make and fix anything, and when he did, it was built to last. He holds 27 United States envelope patents, many of which are still in use today. Richard is recognized and respected within his industry around the world by envelope manufactures for his skills, talents and expertise. Over the years, his technical mastery and reputation earned him the title of Vice President in Manufacturing for Tension Envelope, and he was recognized for founding the Machine Adjusters Training School.
After retiring from Tension Envelope in 2003, with 48 years of service, Richard continued to serve on the board of directors for an additional 10 years. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” and Richard lived by these words both in his personal life, and professionally. He not only took pride in his work and in Tension Envelope, but truly relished in the lasting friendships he made during his time in business.
An avid photographer, Richard loved to travel the world with his adoring wife, and family. He found his passion was behind the lens capturing anything in nature, along with the faces of those he loved and adored. With a keen eye for beauty, Richard was able to thoroughly enjoy many years of memories through his photographs each and every day.
He was a true family man. Richard was a wonderful husband, dedicated father, loving Opa, inspirational mentor, motivated coach and leader, and a true friend to many. Richard will be missed dearly, loved always, and never forgotten by those who hold him dear to their hearts.
A memorial service and celebration of Richard’s life will be held Thursday, October 5, 2017 with a visitation at 10 am and service to follow at 11 am at Johnson County Funeral Chapel 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Richard Kranz’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. Donations can be made online at http://www.alz.org/kansascity or mailed to 3846 W. 75th Street Prairie Village, KS 66208.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Kranz, please visit our flower store.