James Celestine Kranz, age 80 formerly of St. Paul and Richfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at BeeHive Homes of Elk River after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Jim was born October 16, 1938 to John and Anna (Kurkowski) Kranz in St. Paul.  He attended St. Adalbert's, Cretin High School (class of 1956), St. Mary's College, and Marquette University.  He worked as an electrical engineer for many years with Control Data, and retired from Target in 2007.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by siblings, Vincent, Loretta, Eva, Jozef, Gregory, Armella and Terrence; nephews, Kim and Jay.  He is survived by his children, Tiffany (Brad) Bitzan, Heidi (Scott) Noack, David (Gerty), and Missy; grandchildren, Chad, Sophia, Dominic, Luke, AJ, Jaxon and Cami; brother-in-law, Art Nyhus; sister-in-law, Mary Kranz; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to BeeHive Homes of Elk River and Brighton Hospice for the exceptional love and care given to Jim.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka.  Visitation one hour prior to Mass at church (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Private Interment Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220