Randy Krantz, 75

Karlstad - Randy Carter Krantz was born April 14, 1949, to Norman (Butch) and Goldie (Oberg) Krantz in Hallock. He attended school in Karlstad graduating in 1967. Randy was drafted into the US Army in February of 1969. Randy proudly served in the U.S. Army as a member of the Big Red One, Black Lions, 1/28th. He arrived in Vietnam in June of 1969. He spent 7 months as a machine gunner. On January 20, 1970, he received 2 gunshot wounds to his back and right side. It caused injuries to his lung, liver, diaphragm and intestines. He was hospitalized for 7 months before being released for duty in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was on convalescent leave in June of 1970 when he was introduced to Karen Dunrud. She had moved to Karlstad to work at the Arctic Enterprise’s sewing factory as a production coordinator and shipping clerk. A second convalescent leave in August confirmed that they were meant to be together. He was discharged from the Army February 18, 1971. They were married on August 7, 1971. They lived in Karlstad and raised their children Brian, Philip, and Karey in the same house where they still reside. After Randy returned from his Vietnam service and hospitalization, he worked at Ken’s Pub, then at Vern’s Hartz Store, where he learned to place orders, cut and package meat and operate the check out. He also worked on the pilers for American Crystal Sugar in Drayton, ND. He was a night watchman and seasonal laborer at Lake Bronson State Park. He was also employed by Marvin Windows, Arctic Enterprises and Dagen Farms during potato harvest and numerous jobs, always wanting to support his family in any way he could, in spite of living on pain medication. He was medically retired in 1992, due to problems related to his combat injuries. Randy has loved to hunt his whole life. White-tailed deer season was the most special, which included rifle, crossbow, and muzzle loader season. His children all hunted, then grandchildren started, and now great- granddaughter, Melody. There are lots of memories of raccoon hunting with the coon hounds, as well as trapping gophers and muskrat with his daughter, Karey. She had no fear of any of the animals, even at a very young age. Randy always hunted in the area between Karlstad and Halma, called the Devil’s Playground. Deer hunting was his favorite, but his hunts also included: moose, bear, prairie dogs and wild turkeys. Randy was chosen to hunt Prairie dogs in South Dakota with the Wounded Warriors Guide Service, which his brother Brent helped set up and who also shared the hunt. For the past two years Randy was selected by the Veterans Outdoors organization to take part in the Disabled Veterans Wild Turkey Hunt, held at Camp Ripley, a military installation near Brainerd. His son Brian accompanied him as his helper. This year’s hunt started on April 30. They were able to hunt a couple of hours that day but did not get a turkey. At supper, the Veterans Outdoors organization recognized him and the other Purple Heart recipients. Randy sincerely appreciated this group and the efforts they made to have a successful and safe hunt. On May 1, 2024, the second day of the hunt, Brian was going to take Randy out to the hunting area. Unfortunately, Wednesday morning he found that his dad had passed away in his sleep. At that moment all of our lives changed forever. In spite of that, Randy’s bigger than life personality is still present and helping us to cope with his loss. Along with tears and hugs are a lot of memories that have brought us many smiles and some laughter. We know that Randy would appreciate that! His memory and huge heart will always be present at the Krantz Ranch Hunting Shack as his family and friends continue to hunt, share old memories and make new ones! Randy was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, NRA, and Two Rivers Sportsman’s Club and St. Edwards Catholic Church of Karlstad. His family includes children and grandchildren. Brian and Donnelle’s children are Britni (Seth) Hoglo and their children Melody, Thea and new baby Kaspian; Crysta (John) Halgrimson and four grand pups; Kandis (Trevor) Matelski and children Torr and Eve; Philip (Liz Benke and her daughter Isabella Walsh), (a bonus granddaughter to Randy and Karen). Also, Phil and his previous wife, Erica (Ben) Reese are parents to Keegan and Rylie (Aaron) Nelson and son Knox and soon to arrive Baby Cash; and Tucker Krantz and grand pup Gertie. Ben and Erica are the parents of Randy and Karen’s bonus granddaughters, Brynlee and Hadley Reese. Survivors also include Karey (Jeremy) Johnson and their children Liberty (Dustin) Osland and Jordon Johnson; brothers, Wayne (Joan) and Brent (Mary) of Karlstad and Bradley of Halma; sisters, Kathy (Steve) Mercil of Strandquist and Kristy (Roy) Stewart of Lancaster. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Marcella Dunrud, Thief River Falls; brothers-in-law, Michael (Teri) Dunrud, Steve Dunrud and Craig (Roxanne) Dunrud all of Viking. Randy is also survived by his lifetime friend, Paul (Kay) Bostrom and too many friends and relatives to mention. (You know who you are). Randy was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Albert and Agnes Krantz; Oscar and Ida Oberg; father-in-law, Kenneth Dunrud; sister-in-law, Kathryn Sundstedt; and brother-in-law, Wayne Sundstedt. As most people know, Randy had a knack for giving people nicknames. Sometimes the person’s actual name can’t be remembered. He also started a fashion trend, wearing camouflage pants and a purple Minnesota Vikings jersey! In honor of Randy, you are encouraged to wear camo and Viking’s purple to his family service, funeral, burial and any events to follow. Our family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming kindness and support during this difficult time. A Funeral Mass was held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2024, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Florian, with Father Luis Buitron presiding. Visitation was held at 7 p.m., Thursday, at the church and one hour prior to services. Interment services will be held at the Karlstad Cemetery at 11 a.m., Monday, May 27, 2024, Memorial Day, with military honors accorded by the Karlstad American Legion Post #445 and the Minnesota National Guard. Funeral arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Karlstad. An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com. A00003B2024MY15