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John Francis Crayne

February 16, 1949 - October 2, 2019
Visitation
Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish
2322 South 106th Street
West Allis, Wisconsin 53227
(414) 453-5192 |
Thursday 10/10, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish
2322 South 106th Street
West Allis, Wisconsin 53227
(414) 453-5192 |
Thursday 10/10, 11:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Leukemia Lymphoma Society or to the family.

John Francis Crayne, age 70, died peacefully, at home surrounded by his family.

John was born February 16, 1949, to Earl Kenneth and Constance (née Higney) in Sioux City, Iowa.  He attended St. Boniface grade school, graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1968, and Briar Cliff College (University) in 1972.

When John was 14, he began working for Price Candy Company, which was located in the Younkers store.  He began cleaning candy equipment and eventually was trained to make candy.  During the Summers, he would go for training at their corporate office in Kansas City.  Eventually, over the years, he began to be the candy maker at the Sioux City factory. So, began his long career as a chocolatier.

After leaving Price Candy Company, John worked for several candy companies helping them build and manage factories and helping those companies to be more profitable.   He even went to China to help build a factory and train their employees. He retired in 2011 but continued to offer his expertise to small companies.

In 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol (née Hanson). Their first date was Homecoming senior year and they have been together ever since.  They had three wonderful children: Bradley (Jamie), Cara (Chris); and Matthew (Janelle) all of Brookfield, WI.

John was an avid golfer until his health prevented him from doing it.  He enjoyed going out for coffee and meeting with his best friend, Dave Reynolds, and spending time with his seven grandchildren: Timothy, Johnathan, Brady, Jacoby, Alani, Avery, and Anna.  He was so proud of all of them.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, his children and grandchildren, and his brother James (Marge) of Sioux City, and several nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, a brother Robert and sister Sallie.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at Froedtert Hospital, HomeCare Medical and Horizon Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Leukemia Lymphoma Society or to the family.

 

Gathering at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1121 South 116th Street, West Allis, Wisconsin, (Previously Immaculate Heart of Mary), Thursday, October 10, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Funeral Mass 11:00 AM.

Visitation
Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish
2322 South 106th Street
West Allis, Wisconsin 53227
(414) 453-5192 | Map
Thursday 10/10, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish
2322 South 106th Street
West Allis, Wisconsin 53227
(414) 453-5192 | Map
Thursday 10/10, 11:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Leukemia Lymphoma Society or to the family.

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John Francis Crayne, age 70, died peacefully, at home surrounded by his family. John was born February 16, 1949, to Earl Kenneth and Constance (née Higney) in Sioux City, Iowa.  He attended St. Boniface grade school, graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1968, and Briar Cliff College (University) in 1972. When John was 14,Continue Reading

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Mike and Kathy George left a message on October 6, 2019:
Our sincere condolences to Carol and family on John's passing. Kathy and I enjoyed our shared experiences with the Crayne's over the years at St. Luke's Church and School. May John rest in peace.
Beth St. Peter left a message on October 5, 2019:
Cara and family, so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to you all.
Joan and David Mastricola left a message on October 5, 2019:
Dear Carol and Family, I first met John in Sioux City while working my first job as a Candy Manager for Price Candy Company within the Downtown Younkers Store. John had recently opened his own retail candy stores but frequented the Younkers store in the early AM to visit with Jim Frink - his long-time friend and mentor. John was easy to get to know and welcomed me with kindness, humor and generosity. When I had a major equipment breakdown during a busy season, John came in early for a week and helped me make candy so I would not lose any business. He did this for no money while helping a "competitor candy store" survive. He remained a great friend over the next 40+ years always checking in with me to see how I and my family were doing. I cherish the many laughs we shared, the numerous pep talks he gave, and the genuine concern he always expressed. I am confident John and Jim are together again - sharing coffee in the Red Rooster Tea Room and looking down from above to rehash the Heelan Football game. May you all find comfort at this time of loss as you recall what a kind and caring soul John was.
Sue Conway Hrasky left a message on October 4, 2019:
Carol, our prayers are with you and your family. John will always be remembered for his kindness and sincerity. God be with all of you.
Paul and Pat Petersen left a message on October 4, 2019:
Dear Carol, Brad, Cara, and Matt: We are so sorry to hear this, but we are glad he is not suffering any longer. We still think of the wonderful times we had with your family in Colorado, and we are glad we got to reconnect a bit in Milwaukee. Blessing to all of you.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Annette Mummert Olsen left a message on October 4, 2019:
So sorry to hear of John's passing. I remember him from St. Boniface and Heelan. I also worked at Younkers when he did Great guy. RIP John. My thoughts and prayers are with you Carol and your family.
Julie Garrigan Young left a message on October 4, 2019:
Carol and family, My sympathy to all of you❤️ God Bless John
Barb Vondrak Atchison left a message on October 4, 2019:
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I too was a classmate from 6th grade at St. Boniface, through Heelan and apparently the one year I attended Briar Cliff before going to another college. I remember John as short in stature but huge funny personality! I love chocolate with red wine so will dedicate my daily dose to John tonight! Thank you for making this world a sweeter place for all you touched! Rest In Peace and may God hold Carol and your family close!
Nancy Jarod Vlach left a message on October 4, 2019:
Carol and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one John was a wonderful friend from grade school till high school my prayers and love are with you. Nancy Jaros Vlach
Cara left a message on October 4, 2019:
You were the greatest Dad in the whole world. I’m going to miss you. Love you forever!!
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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