Carter L. Crane

1943 - 2025

With great sadness, the family of Carter L. Crane, 81, of Aurora, Illinois, announce his passing on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, after a brief struggle with health issues.

Born on December 20, 1943, in Harvard, Illinois, to Lowry and Lucia Crane, Carter spent his formative years in Chicago. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for sports and an early fascination with journalism. As a child, he created his own play-newspaper, dictating articles and headlines to his older sister Barbara to type. This enthusiasm for storytelling and reporting carried through his school years, where he served as the sports editor for both his high school and college newspapers.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Carter was unique among Chicago fans for refusing to choose between the Cubs and the White Sox-he loved them both equally. His devotion extended to the Chicago Bears and Bulls as well as college and high school sports.

Carter graduated from Senn High School in 1961 and later pursued a degree in American Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. After earning his degree, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. He served honorably for three years at Fort Meade, Maryland, before being discharged in January 1971. Following his military service, Carter embarked on a memorable six-week road trip across 18 states in his 1964 Ford Mustang-a journey that became one of his favorite stories to share.

In late 1971, Carter began working as the news editor for the *Marengo Republican-News*. It was during this time that he met Donna, who would become the love of his life. Their connection was immediate and profound; they married after less than two years of dating and built a life filled with love and shared joy. Together, they welcomed their son Jason and created countless cherished memories with family and friends.

Carter transitioned to the *Beacon-News* in Aurora in September 1972 and moved to the Aurora area in 1974. In 1978, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by founding the *Fox Valley Sports Journal*, a sports publication that reflected his passion for journalism and athletics. Despite hard work and dedication from Carter and his team, the publication faced financial challenges. In 1985, Carter took on the role of managing the *Fox Valley Labor News*, further cementing his reputation as a committed journalist. In 2008, alongside his son Jason, Carter embarked on yet another venture by founding *The Voice* newspaper. This publication provides an independent platform for community news. He worked countless hours leading the effort to provide a conduit to the community until health issues recently limited his ability to work.

Carter is survived by his son Jason (Christine); step-sons Michael (Martha) Krueger, Kurt (Fran) Krueger, Mark (Laurie) Krueger; step-grandchildren Kevin (Siri Simons) Krueger, Dustin (Carrie) Krueger, Brian (Emily) Krueger, Jason (Stephanie) Krueger, Ryan Davis, and Rachel Davis; and step-great-grandchildren Forest, Kaine, Phoebe, Liesl, and Wilder.

Carter was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 50 years, Donna M. Crane, and sisters Barbara and Nancy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A private burial will take place at Lynn-Hebron Cemetery. The family is being assisted by Healy Chapel in Aurora. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Hospice organizations, or Unity of Fox Valley.

To sign the online guestbook or share memories of Carter, please visit www.healychapel.com or call 630-897-9291. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.