Clarice Kranz

Clarice Kranz, age 99, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Peaceful Pines Assisted Living in Milbank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD, with a prayer vigil and Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday. Fr. John Helmueller will celebrate the Mass, and interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rosen, MN.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Clarice LaVerne (Wemmering) Kranz was born at home on September 2, 1926, in Goodwin, SD. She was the only child of Frederick and Emily (Johnson) Wemmering. Clarice spent her formative years in Goodwin. A proud graduate of Goodwin High School, she enjoyed attending many class reunions.

On December 21, 1946, she married the love of her life, Carroll "Cork" Kranz, in Sioux City, IA. Together, they forged a partnership based on mutual respect, shared values, and a common dream. Family was very important to Clarice and Cork. In addition to the six children they proudly raised, they were grateful to be reunited and spend time with their son, William “Bill” Buls, and his family after 51 years. This reunion was a highlight of her life.

In August of 1953, the Kranz family relocated to Rosen, MN, where they established a hardware store and service business. Alongside Cork, their children, and Cork's parents, Roy and Florence Kranz, Clarice dedicated herself to the thriving business. With the same devotion, they expanded their entrepreneurial endeavors by purchasing a hardware store in Bellingham, MN, in 1968. Following the store in Bellingham, they opened another store in Milbank, SD, in 1990, which they operated until their retirement. They built a new home and relocated to Milbank in 1993 and spent many winters in Texas.

Clarice was actively involved in these businesses, managing bookkeeping, supply ordering, and inventory tracking. Her tireless efforts ensured the success and stability of their family-owned stores, providing services within the area. She was a strong and independent woman.

Beyond her professional life, Clarice had a deep love for flowers and gardens, particularly yellow roses. When she was younger, Clarice’s artistic talents shone brightly as she worked as a photo colorist, enhancing black and white photos of the time.

Clarice’s faith was a paramount part of her life; she was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rosen and later, St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Her unwavering devotion to her faith was reflected in her spirit and compassionate heart.

Proud to follow in her parent’s footsteps, Clarice was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She participated in 4-H and later, was very active as a “4-H Mom”, including making raised glazed donuts for many 4-H functions. Clarice and Cork enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, a family tradition. She found joy in spending time with her “breakfast group” and an occasional trip to the casino with friends.

Left to cherish Clarice’s memory are her children: Carolyn (Michael) Brown of Minneapolis, MN; Celeste Gatz of Hayward, WI and Sun Lakes, AZ; Charles (Peggy) Kranz of Milbank, SD; Clinton (Lynn) Kranz of Wellington, Co; and Curtice Kranz of Dawson, MN; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Ronald Flynn; brother-in-law, George Kranz; sisters-in-law: Ruth (Daniel) Kokenge, and Dorothy (Gregory) Nelson; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Carroll “Cork” in 2004; son, William (Shirley) Buls; daughter, Colette Flynn; daughter-in-law, Darlene (Skallerud) Kranz; parents-in-law, Roy and Florence Kranz; sister-in-law, Muriel (Vavricka) Schmidt; and brothers-in-law: Bob Vavricka, and Joe Schmidt.

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