Patricia J. Krantz

1941 - 2020

Patricia J. Krantz

Patricia J. Krantz was born to Walter Krantz and Nettie Piper Krantz in 1941. She was the youngest of five children and the only daughter. Her formative years were spent in Saylorville Iowa, where she attended a one-room school house. Later, she earned a bachelor's degree at Drake University, a master's degree at the University of Wisconsin, and a doctoral degree at the University of Kansas. Pat held academic appointments at Grand View College, Drake University, Rutgers University, Columbia University, Queens College of the City University of New York, and the University of Kansas.

In 1975, Pat and colleague Lynn McClannahan accepted appointments as Executive Directors of the Princeton Child Development Institute, a research and intervention program for children and adults with autism in Princeton, New Jersey. Pat was an excellent researcher and an author of many journal articles. Much of her research focused on increasing the spontaneous generative language of young people with autism. Her investigations also demonstrated the effectiveness of procedures that promote engagement and decrease disruptive behavior. Other lines of research documented procedures that promote social interaction. Two books co-authored by Pat and Lynn were designed to share well-researched procedures with parents and teachers, enabling them to effectively participate in intervention.

As Executive Director, Pat spent as much time with children, instructors, and parents as she did with administrative tasks. She provided advice and encouragement, and gave shoulder-to-shoulder demonstrations of intervention procedures. Her feedback was constructive and never punitive.

As a result of many years of cutting-edge research and program evaluation that demonstrated the progress of young people with autism, Pat received international attention. She was invited to give addresses and workshops in England, Canada, Australia, France, Norway, Belgium, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and Poland, and she supported the development of new, science-based programs in other countries.

Pat's research on behavioral intervention, accountability systems, and program evaluation was recognized by the Senate of the State of New Jersey, the American Psychological Association, The New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis, and the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas, to name but a few.

Although Pat was devoted to her profession, she was also devoted to friends and family. Never forgetting her Iowa roots, she returned to Des Moines after retirement. Pat died on January 9th, at home.

She loved her nieces and nephews and they returned her affection. They wrote:

"Her true desire to help, influenced thousands, and will forever be her legacy."

"She is survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews; all of whom she loved as her own children."

"She is everyone's favorite aunt."

"She had a genuine passion for adventure, travel, and the arts."

"She was such a force for good in our lives and in the world."

A graveside memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Patricia J. Krantz to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc.

Attn: Donations

5452 NE 22nd Street

Des Moines, IA 50313-2528

(515) 473-9107