Death of Kelvin Carl Krantz

Kelvin Carl Krantz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, business owner, chauffeur, humorist and friend passed away unexpectedly at his home in Berrien Springs on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at the age of 64.

Born to Nelson and Betsey Krantz on June 3, 1957, Kelvin graduated from Adelphian Academy in 1975 and Andrews University in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in communication. He founded Krantz Food Brokerage in 1988 and continued a successful business through his death. Kelvin loved working in the outdoors and meeting people, and out of that love he started a lawncare business and transportation service. Kelvin devoted his life to serving others generously and joyfully, making hundreds of trips chauffeuring passengers to and from the airport—work he cultivated through word-of-mouth, or “gabvertising” as Kelvin called it. His passengers included guest artists and speakers for the Howard Performing Arts Center and Mendel Center where he volunteered since each opened their doors. Additionally, Kelvin gave many hours of his time to reading with children at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School in Berrien Springs. True to his benevolent character, Kelvin spent the last morning of his life clearing snow for friends and neighbors.

Kelvin had a gregarious, bright and welcoming spirit, living by the credo "there are no strangers, only friends I haven't met." Kelvin’s humor was uplifting and infectious, his Facebook profile filled with one-liners, ponderings and creative puns often signed with his signature “K2.” “There are certain people who are said to light up a room when they enter,” Kelvin once mused. “That’s because they know where the light switch is.” For everyone who knew and loved him, Kelvin lit up the room—no light switch required. The light of joy Kelvin emanated will remain eternal in the many, many hearts he touched.

Kelvin leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Barbara; children: Danae (Andrew) Atkins of Arvada, Colorado, Janelle (Daniel) Rogers of Surprise, Arizona, and Erik (Lana) Krantz of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and grandchildren: Ty and Jade Rogers and Connor and Lilly Atkins. Kelvin is also survived by his sisters: Glenda (Richard) Hubbell of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Joyce Krantz of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Janet (Charles) Chase of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Ellen (Steve) Edwards of Waterford, Michigan; as well as nieces and nephews. Kelvin was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nila.

Services will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, at the Howard Performing Arts Center in Berrien Springs. Per Andrews University protocol, facemasks are required for all in attendance. Crazy socks, while not required, are strongly encouraged in celebration of and solidarity with Kelvin and his family.

Messages and memories may be shared online at allredfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to Your Story Hour.