Frank S. Crane, III, recently of Traverse City, MI died on September 8, 2024 in the loving company of family. His reserve never concealed his kind heart.
Mr. Crane was born on August 16, 1938 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Frank S. Crane, Jr and Barbara Bateman Brainerd Crane.
In 1940, he moved with his parents to Golden, CO, where he grew up and worked on the family’s dairy farm.
After graduating from high school in Golden, CO, Frank attended and graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He served as a reservist in the US Navy and as yeoman for the Captain and Admiral on the USS Providence, the flagship of the 7th Fleet. He later attended the University of Toronto where he received a Masters degree in Hospital Administration. He enjoyed a long career running nonprofit hospitals that took him to Buffalo, NY; Bridgeport, CT; and suburban Boston. His career culminated with 12 years in NH where he was the CEO of Riverwoods at Exeter, a CCRC.
Known as “Steve” to his family, Mr. Crane was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He married Mary Stillwell Watkins on April 13, 1962. Mr. Crane is survived by his wife Mary and two of their three children, Mary Abigail Crane (David Goldman of Scarsdale, NY) and Frank S. Crane IV (Caroline Stirn Crane of Staten Island, NY). Beloved daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Crane, predeceased him in 2011. Mr. and Mrs. Crane have four grandchildren, Claire and Charles Crane, and Samuel and Benjamin Goldman.
Mr. Crane was the eldest of six children and is survived by his three sisters Jennifer Crane (Fort Collins, CO), Edith Massier (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) and Betsey Jurney (Cedaredge, CO). He was predeceased by his parents and two younger brothers, John Crane and William Crane.
Throughout his life, Mr. Crane enjoyed spending as much time as possible on the shores of Lake Michigan outside Glen Arbor. He loved time on a golf course and was a passionate University of Colorado football fan.
A celebration of his life at the family cottage is planned for the summer of 2025. Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, PO Box 453, Empire, MI 49630 or a charity of one’s choice.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with his family.
