Gerald F. Krantz

BLOOMINGTON – Gerald F. “Jerry” Krantz, 82, Bloomington, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster.

Our favorite valentine was born on February 14, 1944, at Prairie Memorial Hospital to Ora and Dorothy (Cathman) Krantz. He grew up in Bloomington and graduated from BHS in 1962 where he will forever hold the Bloomington Bluejays record for career high points in boys basketball.

On June 27, 1964, Jerry married his high school sweetheart Bonita (Bonnie) Schier. For 20 years he worked as an auto mechanic and during that time he owned Krantz Texaco. After selling the business, Jerry worked as a car detailer for several dealerships in Prairie du Chien until retiring at age 72. He enjoyed golfing and gambling; and in more recent years, scratch-offs, solitaire and feeding his birds occupied his time. Above all, his daughters (often referred to as “Bonnie’s girls”) and their families gave him the most joy and pride. And even though he was affectionately nicknamed “Grumpy” by granddaughter number six – we all knew he was a softie at heart.

The broken-hearted crew he leaves behind includes Bonnie, his wife of 61 years; his four daughters, Amy Hermes, Stoughton; Paula (David) Breihan, Cottage Grove; Gloria (Michael) Landon, Lancaster and Karla (Erik) Hendrickson, Madison; 10 grandchildren, Devon, Daniel (Mary), Shanae (Brandon), Lydia (Tyler), Jessica (Shane), Dustin, Matthew (Nita), Sadie (Mitchell), Josie and Lukas and 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Surviving siblings include his sister Judy (Joe) Ley, Prairie du Chien; sister-in-law Pat Krantz, Maquoketa, Iowa; brother-in-law Reg Schier, Glen Haven; and sisters-in-law Kathy (Farhad) BadiMassoud, Naples, Florida; and Deb (Brian) Drunasky, Middleton.

Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Leonard and Jeannette Schier; brothers Robert and Donald; sisters- and brothers-in-law Mary and Donnie Neis, Barb and Leo Schlitter and Mary Lee Schier.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Jerry’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. noon on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father Sudhakar Devarapu officiating. Friends and family may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will be held following at the St. Mary’s Cemetery also in Bloomington. The Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Bloomington is serving the family.