Connie J. Kranz

Connie Jean Kranz (Brekke), age 78, of Goodwin, SD, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Sanford Clear Lake Medical Center. 

Connie was born October 1, 1947, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Sidney and Viola Brekke.  She was the oldest of four children.  Connie grew up on a farm near Hazel, South Dakota, graduating from Hazel High School in 1965.

She married her husband, Gary Walter Kranz, in December of 1965.  They enjoyed 39 years of marriage before Gary passed away in 2005.  In their early life they called many places home, including Germany, Illinois, and settled in Hazel, South Dakota to raise their family. 

Connie worked many different jobs in her lifetime, including owning and operating the This ‘N That craft store for many years with Gary in Watertown.  The job that Connie found the most fulfilling was that of Hospital Technician.

For the past 18 years, Connie was blessed with the companionship of Sonny Larson, in Goodwin, South Dakota.  They spent their retirement together watching NASCAR, scouting the countryside, fishing, gardening, and canning and freezing their crops. 

Connie enjoyed reading, patronizing local restaurants, tending to her flowers in the summer, traveling, and visiting with friends and family.

Connie is survived by her 5 children: Brian (Lisa) Kranz, Michele (Dan) Burgers, Carrie (Travis) Struckman, Jaime Mims, and Heidi (Joe) Trautner; her 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren; her sisters, Marsha Asbury and Monica Lemme; her brother, Dean Brekke, many nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents Sidney and Viola Brekke, and by her husband Gary. 

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held by the family on Tuesday, March 17, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Goodwin Hall. 

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti 

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