Charles William Krantz

Charles William “Bill” Krantz, age 89, of Frederick, passed away peacefully in the presence of family and his Visiting Angel on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, after “fighting the good fight” for the past 6 ½ years with several debilitating illnesses.

Born in Frederick on Sept. 10, 1933, he was the son of the late Harry William Simeon Krantz and Margaret Ellen Black Krantz.

Bill was the beloved husband of Geraldine Geisbert Krantz for 54 years, who passed away in 2010.  He was the father of Mark W. Krantz, fiancée Patti Nallie, of Keymar and Sharon Krantz, of Ellicott City.  His four grandsons include: Jason Krantz, Derek Krantz, Brandon Krantz (Nichole), and Matthew Krantz (Anna).  Most precious to his heart were his nine great-grandchildren: Timothy Krantz, Eliah Krantz, Arianna Krantz, Ryan Heiss, Scarlett Krantz, Jonah Krantz, Lily Krantz, Josiah Krantz, and Eliana Krantz.  The family would not be complete without mentioning “Peanut,” the family Beagle who adored her granddaddy!

Mr. Krantz was preceded in death by his siblings: Ruth Ellen Jacobs, Ed Krantz, and Nancy Moss.  He was very grieved by the loss of 6 of his farm hands: James “Jimmy” Krantz, Michael “Mike” Kelly, Ricky Jacobs, Michael Bartgis, John Shroyer, Sr., and Shane Krantz.

Bill will be remembered by his many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly!

He was a graduate of Frederick High School Class of 1951, continuing many of those close friendships up until his passing.  While at Frederick High, he was a member of the Concert and Marching Bands, playing first chair for 3 of his 4 years there and he also participated in the All- County and Maryland All-State Bands where he also held first chair for 3 consecutive years.  It was during his senior year in All-State Band that the guest conductor from the U.S. Air Force Band offered him a full scholarship to the U.S. Air Force Music School located at Andrews Air Force Base.  However, his father needed his help on the family farm and he was deferred from fulfilling this opportunity and remained in the Frederick area. For the next 50 plus years, he led his own dance band/combo performing in the tri-state area for corporate functions, clubs, hotels, veterans’ organizations, and many weddings, playing multiple jobs every weekend.  He belonged to the Hagerstown Municipal Band where he was able to perform with many musicians from the military bands as well as music educators, and others with outstanding talent.  Locally, Bill could be heard playing with community bands like Yellow Springs Concert Band and the Harmony Coronet Band.  He also played with the FCC Jazz Band, the Spires Brass Band, and the Citizens’ Brass Band.  Another great honor was performing “Taps” for military funerals as well as for family and friends.

When Bill wasn’t playing his trumpet, he was busy honing his pool skills with the APA and fellow pool sharks at the Shookstown Store, All-Star Billiards, Champion Billiards, The Green Room in Baltimore, and The Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas. He often spoke of winning the 9 Ball Championship for the State of MD at age 83- winning another trip to Vegas for the finals.

Bill, Gerry, Mark, Sharon, brothers-in-law, nephews, cousins, and neighbors could be seen farming the Krantz Farm on Shookstown Road. During this time the farming operation expanded to seven farms and many heads of dairy cattle.  Bill and Gerry were very hard-working businesspeople who gave away to others as much as they lavished upon family and friend.  Many family members, friends, and neighbors often stopped by the farm for advice, support, and lots of laughter!!  Bill and Gerry were always there for everyone!

Thanks to the graciousness and mercy of the Lord, accompanied with prayers and support he and the family received post Gerry’s passing and throughout his medical challenges, Bill persevered through it all. His faith in the Lord, his quiet prayers with the Father, his strong will to live,  and love for his family and all the people who touched his life gave him strength to rally many, many times!

The family would like to thank his Visiting Angels for the great love and care they gave to Bill.  Each Angel was like family.  They all shared and demonstrated how much they loved him and gave him such great care.  We are especially grateful for Breanna, Karen, Sherry, Kathy, Ashley, and Katie just to name a few.  We would also like to thank April, Cristal and Erik from Hospice of Frederick who helped to make these last 6 months easier with the extra in-house care.

Viewing will be held for Bill at Keeney Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick MD on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Funeral Service will be held at Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Avenue, Frederick, MD, on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 11:00am.  There will be viewing prior to the service from 10:00am to 11:00am.  Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Music Ministry of Frederick Church of the Brethren, note: in memory of C. Wm Krantz on the subject line. FCOB, 201 Fairview Avenue, Frederick MD 21701 or New Midway Volunteer Fire Company, 12019 Woodsboro Pike, New Midway, MD 21175- in memory of C. Wm Krantz.