Edward "Ed" J. Kranz

Edward "Ed" Kranz, age 68, of Hastings, died suddenly on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at United Hospital in St. Paul.Edward James was born January 25, 1947 in Minneapolis to Paul and Gloria (King) Kranz. After graduating from Hastings High School with the class of 1965, Ed continued his education at St. Johns and later graduated in 1969. On August 29, 1969, Ed was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Shelly Chezick at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Hastings. Ed was the Assistant Director of Police and Fire for the City of Burnsville from 1970-1977 until becoming the City Administrator of Hastings from 1977-1983. Ed then became the Administrator of the Sieben Carey Law Firm in Minneapolis.Ed was not your average human being - as witnessed by the many people who knew and loved him. Ed enjoyed gardening, cooking, pottery, boating, and helping others reach and secure their dreams. He also especially loved his dog Daisy, a thirteen year old Dalmatian, and would be seen walking miles with her every day around Hastings. Ed was a generous person, loyal beyond measure, who stood up for others needing help. His gentle and mischievous smile, booming laughter, bird calls in inappropriate places, and amazing stories, will echo in our hearts as we celebrate his life.He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Nick; and by his sister, Judy Durand.Ed is survived by his wife, Shelly of Hastings; son and family, Ed (Colleen) Kranz and son, Edward Jackson; his daughter and family, Niki (Fred) Edmeier and children, Maddie and Clay; his siblings, Paul (Tere) Kranz of Hastings, Peter (Liz) Kranz of Long Meadow, MA and Marci Kranz of Hastings; his brother-in-law, Cy Durand; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives.Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth St., Hastings. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Friday morning at church.In lieu of flowers, Eds family requests memorials be made to the Ed Kranz Memorial Dog Park Fund at Vermillion State Bank in Hastings.Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings.