Gerald Lee Krantz

Gerald Lee Krantz, age 85, of Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, passed away at Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, surrounded by his children on August 13, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 13, 1938 in Shelby County, Iowa to Walter and Bernice (Hulsebus) Krantz.

Jerry moved with his family circa 1940 when they purchased a farm outside St. Charles, Minnesota and lived there until he finished highschool in 1957.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy, demonstrating unwavering dedication and valor. His military service instilled in him values of honor and commitment, which he carried through all aspects of his life.

Jerry completed the education he started while serving in the Navy by earning a Bachelor's degree at Long Beach State College in 1971. He worked as an engineer until 1975 when he started his next career in real estate. By 1978 he became a licensed real estate broker and opened his own real estate company, Krantz Realty & Investments which he ultimately expanded to include property management, renaming his company to National Properties in 1983. During his career he made a lasting impact on the lives of those he encountered. He was also deeply committed to health and fitness, often inspiring others to pursue active lifestyles. Whether it was through coaching little league, playing softball, tennis, daily gym work out and later pickle ball, he believed in the power of physical well-being and was known for his dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle.

A devout Catholic, Jerry was actively involved in his parish community, participating in various ministries and supporting initiatives that aligned with his faith such as the Knights of Columbus and bible studies. He believed in the importance of service and contributed generously to organizations such as his parish, Boys Town, a number of Catholic charities in the US, the NRA and various PACs.

At the time of his passing, Jerry divided his time between Carson City, Nevada and the beautiful home he built outside Rosarito Beach, Baja California, Mexico, where he enjoyed exploring, playing pickleball, attending Mass, going to the gym and learning Spanish.

Jerry was married twice. He first married Gladys Ann Billotte in 1964 with whom he shared four children and 8 grandsons, living most of their marriage in Thousand Oaks, California. After their separation and divorce he married his highschool sweetheart Norma Jean Deedrick Blankenfeld, and together they created a loving home in Rochester, Minnesota.

He is survived by his children Cindy Krantz Ochoa, Nancy Krantz, Richard "Rick" Krantz and Deborah Krantz Miller, grandsons Shane Condon, Alec Ochoa (Kaja), Ian Ochoa, Chase Ochoa, Ethan Miller, Griffin Miller, Sawyer Miller, aunt Cleopha Lawyer, many cousins including Dave (Denise) Hansen, Sherry Krantz, Dan (Jayne) Garrison, Crystal Boardman, step children and step grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, wives, brother Richard "Dickie" Krantz and infant grandson Payton Rylee King.

The day after Jerry's passing, Mass was dedicated to him at the hospital chapel in California and was attended by his children and friends.

A memorial mass will be held in his hometown on Friday April 25th at 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa.

A funeral mass and burial will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Rochester and Calvary Cemetary in nearby St. Charles, Minnesota, where he will be interred next to Norma.



Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Jerry's life and the many ways he touched those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to cancer research or your local parish.

Jerry will be dearly missed but will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him.

Rest in peace, Jerry.