Loren “Bill” Kransky, age 66, of Miles City passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at his home in Miles City.
Bill was born in Miles City, Montana on October 20, 1947, the son of Donald and Bonnie (Hill) Kransky. He grew up and attended schools in Miles City, graduating from Custer County District High School in 1965. He then attended Billings Business College until entering the United States Air Force on April 18, 1967. Bill married Sheryl Kreager in Miles City, Montana on September 9, 1967. While in the Air Force, he played in the Air Force Band and worked as an airplane mechanic in Viet Nam until he was honorably discharged in 1971. Following his discharge, he returned to Miles City where he went to work for LaGranger Grocery and B&C Oil until purchasing LaGranger Grocery in 1973. He later changed the name to Bill’s Minit Market. In 1980, they moved to Bismarck, North Dakota where he worked at the North Dakota State Prison While in Bismarck, he studied Christian Ministry at the University of Mary. In 1986 they moved back to Miles City and repurchased Bill’s Minit Market which they owned until 1990. They then returned to Bismarck and he continued to work at the North Dakota State Prison. He retired and later moved back to Miles City in 2010.
Bill loved to work in his garden, loved bowling, and was an avid car lover. He loved watching NASCAR, the Barrett-Jackson Auction and the Denver Broncos. He truly loved his family, and was the life at every family gathering. Every person that he met was touched by his kindness, generosity, witty sense of humor and a smile that he never lost with all of his health issues. He was very proud of his family and their accomplishments and will be missed by all.
Bill is survived by his wife Sheryl Kransky of Miles City; two daughters: Jessie Beehler of Miles City; and Jenny (Chris) Flynn of Miles City; a sister Karen Varner of Pueblo, CO; a brother Rich (Claudia) Kransky of Miles City; sisters in law: Diane (Mike) Metzenberg of Miles City and Keryl (Rick) Reid of Billings; five grandchildren: Lauren Hager, Logan Flynn, Kayla (Chaz) Kountz, Tad Beehler and Mariah Beehler; and his two great grandchildren Emery & Riley Kountz. He is also survived by his step-mother Phyllis Kransky of Billings, MT; a step-sister Barb Beaver of Big Timber; numerous nieces and nephews and his dear friends Mitch Vilhauer and Ivan (Donna) Orthman. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military Graveside services will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Wake Up & Lace Up, 107 Balsam Dr., Miles City, MT 59301, Holy Rosary Hospice or charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m
Monday March 3, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Monday March 3, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m
Monday March 3, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Monday March 3, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT
Share
Shannon Holmen says
To his dedicated wife and kids…. you were all so loving and supportive to Bill He was one of my favorites. I know how much he will be missed. My prayers to all of you.
Kay Carlson says
Dear Sheryl and all of Bill’s family,
My heartfelt love, sympathy and prayers to everyone. You have lost a great man.
Denise Harvey says
Oh my, what a difficult time for all of you. So much loss in a short time, my thoughts and prayers to you all.
Janet Buraas Klein says
Even though we knew that the end was near for Bill with the cancer ravaging his poor body, it is always such a shock when the end does come. Losing Bill is hard for many people, including myself, as I can remember going to the Kreager home while in Junior and Senior high and Bill being there with Sheryl! That is many years ago, but the love between Bill and Sheryl never wavered….that is true love! Nothing will ever take your memories away or the love for the man! In the difficult days ahead that there are many people that are mourning the loss along with you! Bill was a special man who had a genuine smile and love for all his friends! You, all, are in our thoughts aqnd prayers! Love and Hugs, Harley and Janet
Cherie, Val, Ryan and Terran says
To all the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your families loss. I met Bill in the 70’s he was a great man. His journey with cancer was very tough, and he gave it all he had. May God bless you, and give you peace.
Teresa Geib Bacon says
To all the Family:
Sending my condolences, prayers and love for you all. One never knows what to say when this happens, but the wonderful thing is pain is gone and Bill is home, our sadness continues on, thankfully you are all together to share all your wondrous memories. God Bless you all, Teresa
Chuck and Luann Pluhar says
Sheryl, we are very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing, we send prayers to you and your families. We will never forget Bill. You were the happy couple from across the street. I only wish we could have been in touch over the years, but we will never forget. God Bless all of you.
Heidi Brown says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Bill’s family. He was always such an inspiration in his journey. I will always remember his spirit and zest for life.
Brooke Frieboes says
Thinking of you and your family. Prayers and wishes for the future to remember his hard fight. He was always so willing to share his story and let everyone learn from his situation. He made everyone who worked with him or was around him over the last number of years a better clinician…and person. Thank you for all you did and stood for. Your family is in my thoughts.
Sandy Peaslee (Kiltie) says
Jesse and Family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Jesse you were a very big comfort to me during my Mother’s passing, I hope you hope you and your family can find peace at this difficult time.
Sandy Peaslee (Kiltie)
Carol LaRose Schuetzle says
Jenny, Jessie and family our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sorry for your loss. Your memories with your Dad’s love an the awesome times you had with your Dad will always be in your heart forever.
BIG (((HUGS))) and Love
Carol and Warren Schuetzle
and the LaRose Family
Randy & Marlene Boutelle says
Our hearts go out to you in this difficult and painful time . Bill was truly one of the ” Good Ones”. He will be missed by all.
Jodie Burnett-Rhodes says
Kayla, Chaz and family. I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandfather. I knew him and remember him being very kind and always so friendly. I pray that your entire family will find some comfort through the love and prayers from everyone that loves you all and he touched in his own special way. God Bless
T. Kelly says
May the family find comfort in loving memories, and in knowing that God is “close to those that are broken at heart; and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) With deepest sympathy.
Rose Timmons says
I send my Sympathies to the Kransky Family..he was the best Boss at Bill’s with a lovely family as well; Thoughts and Prayer’s to the Family.
Candy and John Laney says
Sheryl
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Denowh says
Jessie and family,
So sorry to see your Dad’s passing. Even though I didn’t know him, he must have been a great guy to have such a wonderful family. My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Gail Smith says
So sorry for your loss. You two have been together forever. I am praying god will give you comfort. Wish I was there I would give you a big hug.
Brian and Sharlene Wallace and family says
Jessie and family,
Our hearts goes out to all of you for the loss of your loved one. May the angels watch over you in this time and your Dad smile upon you.
Our love to all of you!
Barb and Duke Jonas says
To each and everyone of the Kransky family.
My heart is sadddend .May each and everyone of the family find peace and a memory of Bill that only you can have.Bill will be missed deeply by everyone .
May God give you all peace and comfort to help you throw this sad and painful time.
Thoughts and pryers to you all.
Barbara Jean
Michelle (Bjerke) Zimney says
Uncle Buck will be greatly missed. Whenever he was around, people were smiling.
Brian Taylor says
I have many memories of Bill and our times together at NDSP. I will miss him. We had many talks together about many things. Bill and I shared many laughs together and some down times as well. He was a good friend. Praying for his family.
Brian Taylor
Karen Krausz says
Jessie, Jenny, and your families. I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jacki (Balsam,Oe) Fayram says
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I remember Bill and his great smile, laughter, happiness when he was owner of Bill’s Minit Market, I too remember you Sheryl.
My thoughts and prayers.
Jacki
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
Our deepest sympathy in your loss of Bill.
Always enjoyed him so much when he had the Minit Market. Just always
so much fun to be around. Really missed him when he left there.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your happy memories will help you through
this difficult time. Linda & Richard
Steve and Gayle Serquina says
Our hearts are broken for you Sheryl and family. Please know that you remain in our prayers and always our love. I love that picture of Bill. That was truly him, always with a smile. We have so many wonderful memories of all the good times we all had together. His faith was so amazing. He was such an example for all of us as we go through suffering, and he did suffer for so many years. I am so glad to know he is with Jesus now. God Bless you all. Love You.
Bob & Carol Cartledge says
Dearest Sheryl, Jessie, & Jenny,
We were deeply saddened by the news of Bill’s passing. He will always be remembered as a great and dear friend. I have many fond memories of Bill and Sheryl and will cherish them always. Our prayers are for Bill and Sheryl and to the girls…may you find strength and peace in the coming days and may God bless you.
A friend…Bob C.
Sherri says
Sheryl,
I don’t know if you remember me, but we worked together at Sears in Bismarck. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Bill coming to see you at work and how funny he was all the time. Know he will always be with you….may he rest in peace. God Bless you and your family.
Again so sorry for your loss.
Sherri
Terry and Wilma (Beebe) Becker says
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We are so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
I so love this picture of Bill. It shows him as he really was….what a great guy! I am so glad to know he is with Jesus now, and his suffering is over. I know you will miss him so much. God Bless you all.
Terry and Wilma (Beebe) Becker
Gary Rudolph says
Many thoughts are going thru my head right now concerning Bill right now . I can only say sorry for your loss. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in Miles City. Sorry we lost touch. My fault.
Lynette Miller & family says
Sheryl and family,
Our hearts ache for your loss. We truly understand the overwhelming sorrow of saying goodbye to a loved one. But we hold on to the promise to seeing them again, so it isnt truly goodbye but “til we meet again”. Our prayers will be for you and your family in the days ahead. Hold on to Jesus. He will carry you through.
Lynette, Heather, Janna, and Jared
Shannon Gjerde says
Jenny, Jessie, Sheryl and family:
You are an inspiration to so many. You showered love on Bill through the tough times and the good. You stood by him and ached when he ached. I’ve never seen such devotion to the patriarch like I have through this. My prayers and heart are with you. Love to you all.
Maryann Mahoney McDaniel says
Sheryl: Was sorry to read about your and family’s loss of Bill. Have fond memories of you and him in high school and know your lifetime of memories will be a great comfort. Will be thinking about you.
Jim & barb bender says
Sheryl ,
We are so very sorry for your loss of Bill. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Bob and Kathy Chapweske says
Dear Sheryl, Jenny and Jessie and all of the Kransky family,
We have such good memories of our times with you guys when our kids were young. Those were great times. I can’t remember a time I didn’t know Bill. He was always smiling and had something funny to say to lift my spirits. Bill fought through many hard times, but when last we saw you guys, he was still smiling. God Bless him. And our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sorrowful time. The Good Lord will take care of Bill and all of you.
Mike Bryant says
So sorry to hear about Bill passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bill during his second tour at NDSP. My memories of Bill will always be good ones. Many who worked with Bill including myself, thought very highly of him. He was a very smart, kind man with a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.
My mother bought a car (a Chrysler New Yorker) from Bill and she loved that car! Once again Bill showed how he was as a person through the sale of that car. He sold it at a good price, didn’t hide any issues, and continued to ask about it long after the sale. That is the way I’ll remember Bill, fair, honest and caring. Bill was just an all around good man and I’m grateful for having known him. RIP my friend.
Dale Allen Pommer says
I’m so glad I got to re-connect with Bill even though it was just a cyber-connection. I remember him well after all these years and thank you Sheryl for getting in touch. Our prayers are with you.
Barbara Boe Anderson says
Dear Sheryl and Family:
Bill was a wonderful man, full of love and laughter, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. May God comfort and strengthen you all during this difficult time!
Love,
Barbara and Larry
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
We are keeping you all in our prayers that you may find great comfort knowing you were all greatly loved. Your memories will be with you always.
Jean Weatherly says
Sheryl & girls: So sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a great boss and good friend. We had many a trial at NDSP with training and accreditation but we both learned a lot.
He will be missed.
From:
His “great” secretary, Jean
Dorothy Schwartzenberger says
So sorry for loss. My prayers for your family and thoughts are with you .
Barbara Ashley says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers your family. Bill has created many memories for a great number of people as well as you the family. He will be missed but will remain in our hearts forever. Keep him with you always with your thoughts and conversations.
Claudia (Schock) Scott says
Thoughts and prayers for the family, I have many fond memories of going to the minit market when I was in school!
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Loren “Bill” Kransky – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mr. Kransky. It was not Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). In the Bible we are promised a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). The Paradise conditions that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled and cause God’s “will to be one as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matthew 6:9, 10). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).