Dance Band Drummer, WWII Vet Dead at 94: Recent Deaths

Neil J. Kranich

Neil J. Kranich died on Sept. 19, 2013 at the age of 94.

Kranich began life in Waukesha, WI. He was the youngest of four brothers born to Charles and Clara (Pokrandt) Kranich.
He married Adajane Pease in August of 1940. During World War II, he was in the Pacific theater with the Army Air Corp. After the war effort ended, he remained a proud veteran all his life, serving as a commander for both the Soat-Vergenz VFW Post 721 in Waukesha and the Military Order of the Cootie.

As a civilian, Kranich was a machinist by day, and a dance band drummer on weekends. He kept the beat for over 50 years before he had to retire his kit. After his drumming days were over, he took up piano. He kept at it until last year, when Parkinson’s and macular degeneration put an end to his lifelong affair with music. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, three older brothers and Adajane, his beloved wife of over 70 years.

He is survived by daughter, Noreen (Kranich) Bailey and husband Wayne L. Bailey, Apple Valley; son, Neil J. Kranich II and wife Judith L. (Griffin) Kranich, Prior Lake; granddaughter, Capt. Shannon N. Kranich USAF currently stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB Dayton, OH; grandson, Shawn W. Buyatt (Desiree Sherry and her daughter, Makenzie Loesch); and great-grandson, Logan C. Buyatt, Farmington.

Visitation and short prayer service will be held at the Klecatsky & Sons Funeral Home in Eagan on Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

Delores M. Cook-DuBru 

Delores M. Cook-DuBru, of Eagan, passed away on Sept. 17, 2013 at the age of 86. She was a Burlington Northern employee for over 35 years.

Cook-DuBru is preceded in death by husbands Charles Cook and Leon DuBru, as well as her son, Charles Cook Jr. and brother, Frank Minar, Jr.

She is survived by daughters, Teresa (David) Smith and Dr. Patricia Cook; sisters, Dorothy Simpson and Donna Larson; and special pets, Beau and Jake

Thomas G. Leary

Thomas G. Leary, of Eagan, passed away on Sept. 17, 2013 at the age of 64.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bernadette Leary, and his sister, Mary Ausley.

Leary is survived by siblings, Jeani (Don) Johnson, Greg (Peddi) Leary, Mark Leary and Patti (Steve) Sivanich; brother-in-law, Bill Ausley; and also by other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A memorial Mass for Leary will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013 at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville. Mourners are invited to a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to Mass at church.