Dean J. Krance, who fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith, passed away on March 15 2024, at the age of 72. Dean was born in Dickinson, North Dakota, on August 23, 1951, to John and Vi (Seiler) Krance. He was a resident of Mansfield, Ohio, since 1956 and graduated from St. Peter’s Catholic High School in 1969. He was employed at Neer Manufacturing for 32 years and was a performing musician in the area for almost 50 years. Dean served as the Secretary of the Richland County Veterans Service Commission from 1997 until the time of his death.
Dean accomplished much in his lifetime, and his life was so much more than a couple of paragraphs. Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972 and received an honorable discharge in 1974. For much of his life, Dean devoted his time to community service through various veteran organizations. He was a life member and Past Commander of American Legion McVey Post #26, life member of Amvets Post #26, member of Richland County Voiture 20, 40 et 8, and was Chairman of the American Legion State Golf Commission. Dean was also a two-time Past President of the Mansfield Memorial and Patriotic Association, a member of the Richland-Ashland Chapter Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and a member of the Mansfield Liederkranz. Dean established the Veterans Honor Bus for Richland County in 2019 and worked hard every year to make it possible for Richland County veterans to travel from Mansfield to Washington D.C. at no cost to the veteran.
Dean was a talented drummer and performed in numerous bands and charity events over the years. He was a founding performing member of the Fat Daddy’s Blues Band. Dean had a passion for golf and was happy to have achieved two holes in one. His ability to read a green was second to none. More than anything, Dean loved his family and will be remembered for his caring nature and unique sense of humor. He loved family gatherings and holidays, especially Christmas, when he could spend time with his entire family and really enjoy the youngest members of the family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vi Krance. Dean is survived by his sister, Denise Krance of Mansfield; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Lorri Krance of Poquoson, Virginia; nieces, Rachal Krance of Ashland, VA, Hollie Bradley of Yorktown, VA, Heather Kellner of Poquoson, VA, and Stacey (Aaron) Huskey of Poquoson, VA; great-niece, Emma Pickenpaugh; four great-nephews, Dylan Pickenpaugh, Tanner Bradley, Aubrey Huskey and Levi Huskey, and another due in April; and special friends who were like brothers, Dan O’Brien and Greg Carr of Mansfield.
Per Dean’s request, a celebration of life will be held at Amvets Post #26, 1100 West Fourth St., Mansfield, Ohio, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Richland County Honor Bus. Checks should be made payable to JVC Honor Bus and sent to the Veterans Service Commission, 597 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, Ohio 44905.
Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services by Wappner is honored to serve the family.
