Former Historical Society board member Kranz remembered

A former Lake County Historical Society board member who helped lead the effort to purchase of the Lake County Home has died.

David E. Kranz, 73, a lifelong Mentor resident, passed away Aug. 20.

“Dave was a tireless champion of the performance of good works,” said Mentor City Councilman Sean Blake, who served with Kranz on the Lake County Historical Society Board of Directors.

While serving as a member of the board, Kranz led the effort to purchase the Lake County Home, convincing the board it was possible even though many did not think they could afford a mortgage, Blake said in an email.

Kranz then served as the first site manager, overseeing the transition of the County Home into a “beautifully renovated period correct museum and history center,” Blake said.

He also represented the historical society as a community speaker, tour guide, project manager and Folk Festival coordinating volunteer.

Blake said during Kranz’s time in the Painesville Jaycees , he was instrumental in bringing the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization to Lake County, as well as the construction of the gazebo on Painesville square.

He also was a member of GYRO of Western Reserve.

Kranz was a 1962 graduate of Mentor High School and a retired customer compliance instructor for Safety Kleen Corp.