Homer Kraner

Homer J. Kraner, 81, of Rockford, Ohio, died Thursday evening, December 10, 2020, at Van Wert County Hospital, in Van Wert, Ohio. He was born February 16, 1939, in Portland, Indiana, to Gerald and Verna E. (Thompson) Kraner, both who have preceded in death. He was a graduate of the Ohio City Class of 1958. On March 5, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Joy N. Sink, who survives in Rockford. Homer lived all his life in the area, and was a life-long farmer, as well as working at Chrysler, where he retired. He enjoyed working on antique tractors, and had quite a collection of them. Homer was a member of the Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, Ohio, and a past member of the Mercer County Farm Bureau. In his leisure time, he loved to watch old Western movies on television, but what he really loved was his family, and especially the grandkids.

Together, he and Joy had six children: Mitchel (Robin) Kraner of Ohio City; Greg Kraner; Melody (Scott) Hileman of Van Wert; Robert (Stacie) Kraner of Rockford; Megan Kraner of Van Wert; and Andrew (Kathryn) Kraner of Celina. Twenty-six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. Homer has two sisters and two brothers who survive: Marilyn Clifton of Ohio City; Norma Krueckeberg of Decatur; Max (Barbara) Kraner of Van Wert; and Ronnie Kraner of Florida. Deceased are one grandson, Cyrus; one sister, Betty Swoveland; and six brothers, Richard Kraner, Keith Kraner, Jack Kraner, Frank Staude, Billy Kraner, and Thomas Kraner; two brothers-in-law: Harold Clifiton and Tim Krueckeberg.

For the safety of friends and relatives during the Covid 19 pandemic, the family is planning private services for Homer. Those services will take place at New Horizons Community Church in Rockford, Ohio, Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, with Pastor Clark Williman officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com. Memorials may be directed to Community Health Professionals, 816 Pro Drive, Celina, Ohio.
All family members attending must wear a mask and social distance at the church.