Robert "Bob" Denis Kranz

Robert “Bob” Denis Kraz, age 86 was called to his life on May 3, 2024

Bob was born in Long Beach in 1938. He attended Gulfport High School before going to sea on the schooner Azera. He joined the United States Air Force, graduating from the second class for Precision Measurement Electronics Laboratory (PMEL) school.

After getting out of the Air Force, he worked for Michoud in electronics. Later he returned to Gulfport where in addition to running several shrimp boats, he set up the first truck-stop/truck repair shop at the Port of Gulfport.  Bob became a Mason in 1963, graduated both York and Scottish Rite, and was involved throughout his life.  In 1967, Bob went to work for Rice University, where he was the electronics specialist on the team that created the first mechanical artificial heart (currently in the Smithsonian).

After his time at Rice, he moved up to the Pacific Northwest and changed career paths to be able to spend more time with his family.  It was here that he got involved with the Rotary.  He worked in life insurance and financial planning until he returned to the south.

Bob moved to Key West, Florida in 1992.  In 1993, in Key West, Bob met Kathleen Gott (Kranz) whom he married and they were together for almost 31 years.  He came back to Gulfport in 2003 where he was involved in Rotary and spearheaded the creation of the Long Beach Activity and Senior Center. Bob even helped set up the Mississippi Coast Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1150, and other numerous civic activities.  He was also a member of the American Legion China Post #1 in exile.

Bob is survived by the love his life, Kathleen Kranz; sons, Dennis Ward, and Robert Neal; grandchildren, Robert Jon “RJ”, and Gabrielle Elizabeth “Gabby”.  Bob also leaves behind to cherish his memory a host of friends and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the Long Beach Yacht Club (203 Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS 39560).

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport is assisting the family.