Walter George Kranitz

Born on December 16, 1936, to George and Elizabeth Kranitz, Walt was the only surviving child of immigrant parents. In his early years in Maywood, New Jersey, the family was part of a community of German immigrants. Their home was filled with that heritage, including speaking German until Walt went to school and World War II prompted his parents to learn English. In adulthood, Walt sometimes expressed regret that his level of fluency in the German language never progressed past that of a young child. His childhood also began his lifelong love of music, and by the time he reached adulthood, he played piano, clarinet, and saxophone proficiently enough that he spent some time studying in a program at the renowned Juilliard School in New York City. He considered a career in music, and even played in successful bands in college, but ultimately decided on a path he considered better suited to the kind of family life he wanted.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and a proud veteran of the Army National Guard, Walt's professional life in marketing saw him dedicate many years to General Cable, and later Pirelli Cable Corporation, while raising his family in New Jersey. In the late 1980s, a new chapter began as he and his family moved to Newark, Delaware. There, Walt embraced a new career in real estate, helping others find their homes and build their dreams. Later in life, he made Indiana his home, bringing his characteristic optimism and humor to new communities. After becoming a licensed real estate broker soon after moving to Indiana, he and his then-wife Debra opened their own real estate company in Mitchell. Later, he joined Keach and Grove in Bedford. He served on the Bedford Board of Realtors in 2008-2010 and was recognized as a top selling agent at Keach and Grove in 2009. He continued his affiliation with Keach and Grove even after he retired from acting as seller’s or buyer’s agent, performing appraisals in the area until he fully retired at the end of 2024.

Walt's priority throughout his life was his family. He made a point of being present at his daughters’ various activities while they were growing up, including sports, music, school plays, and many others. He fought for his daughter to be allowed to play Little League and soccer with the boys when girls’ teams were not available. He also stayed engaged with their activities by officiating their swim meets, while also pursuing his own hobbies, which at various times included bowling, tennis, gardening, and contract bridge. He is lovingly remembered by his three daughters from his first marriage to Lois Kranitz of Delaware: Laura Kranitz and Linda Kranitz, both of Indiana, and Alison Walsh of Massachusetts, alongside her husband Nathan, and granddaughters Rebecca and Marissa. He is also lovingly remembered by his life partner of two decades, Grace Dickey of Indiana and her children (Deb Jett and Cody Dickey, both of Indiana) and grandchildren (Ezra, Lexi, and Quintin) as well as his second wife, Debra Miles of Indiana, and her daughter Bethany Hiser of Kentucky and son Jason Strunk of Illinois, all of whom he embraced as part of his family.

Walt’s generosity with his time and talents to help family and friends in any way he could, as well as his quick wit and his love of a good (or bad) pun, will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He also will be remembered for his lifelong love of nearly all sports, as he followed any team he had any kind of geographic or family connection with. In no particular order (and likely missing some), these included Indiana University; Indianapolis Fever, Colts, and Pacers; New York Rangers, Giants, Yankees, and Mets; University of Delaware; Brown University; Yale University; University of Washington; Rutgers University; Northwestern University; and the University of Richmond.

Walt navigated life's transitions with resilience, optimism, and a gentle spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, love, and the quiet impact of a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be on Saturday, June 14 from 11 AM -1 PM, with a brief service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the COPD Foundation.