Fran Kranz

Mary Frances “Fran” Kranz, age 85, of Flint, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 3, 2023 surrounded by her family. Fran lived most of her life in the Flint area, where she met and married her husband, Bob. Fran found great joy in being a mom, always supporting and encouraging her daughters. She loved her family above all else and especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren. Reading was always a passion for Fran. She turned that passion into service as an instructional aide at Fiedler Elementary in Kearsley, working with ESL (English as a Second Language) students. Several of these students wrote to her for years after they left her care, thanking her for her kindness and help. After losing Bob in 2001, Fran began following her dream to travel. She visited many exciting places, including Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Ireland. She even tried zip-lining! Fran will be especially missed for her loving attitude and sense of humor. She was always everyone’s favorite patient because no matter what she was experiencing, she remained positive and sweet. Fran made friends wherever she went.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert Kranz and sisters, Jean Grappin and Carolyn Mochty. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters: Deb (Matt) Roda, Suzanne (Douglas) Schmier, Diane (Andy) Toth; grandchildren: Danielle, Dana (Giovanni), Catherine, Sarah (Andrew), Ben (Jordan), Tom, Alex, Erin (Ronnie); great-grandchildren, Lexi, Matthew, Reagan, Myla, Atticus; great-great grandson, Carter; and brother, David McLean.

Per Fran’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later time. Burial will be held at Flint Memorial Park on July 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The family extends their appreciation to the caregivers at Care Cardinal Memory Care in Kentwood, who consistently treated Fran with incredible kindness and dignity. Those who wish to do so, may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.