Barbara A. Kranig

Barbara A. Kranig, 91, of Stevens Point passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025.  Born May 12, 1934 to Robert J. Orgish Sr. and Josephine (Knorn) Orgish in Spencer, WI, she was the oldest of seven children.  She attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated from Park Falls High School in 1952.

Upon moving to Stevens Point where her father was transferred by the Soo Line, she briefly attended college.  It was in Stevens Point that she met and married Jerome Kranig on September 4, 1954.  Together, they had three children.

Before her marriage, she worked at Sentry Insurance.  She returned to the workforce June 12, 1964 when she was appointed Acting Postmaster, serving in that capacity for 3years. She next worked for the investment firm Piper, Jaffray and Hopwood, eventually becoming one of only three women to pass the State exam to become a licensed stock and securities dealer.  Following the closure of the firm's office in Stevens Point she went to work for Portage County Community Human Services as a Program Coordinator and then Intake Worker.  Finally, in 1985 she found her dream job.  She was elected City Clerk for Stevens Point, a job she held for 12 years after being re-elected twice.  She officially retired in 1997, but did return to the job for a year to complete the unexpired term of her successor.

Kranig was also active in many professional and civic organizations, most notably the American Legion Auxiliary, where she displayed her patriotism and love of country. She joined the organization shortly after her marriage and soon began filling a leadership role, starting with President of Berens-Scribner Unit 6 and culminating in election to the office of National President for the term 1997-1998.  She also served as Department of Wisconsin President 1976-1977, Central Division National Vice President 1990-1991, and National Vice President 1996-1997, and as National Parliamentarian.

Kranig served on the City's Board of Review, Police and Fire Commission, and Community Development Authority.  She was also a member of the Council of Community Services and the River Pines Community Health Center Lay Advisory Board.  She served as President of the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association, and was also Chair of the State Elections Board.

She was appointed to the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women by Gov.  Pat Lucey.  She embraced the feminist movement of the 1970's and by example and encouragement, she raised her daughters to follow in her footsteps as strong, independent, modern women.

She was a member of the Stevens Point Kiwanis, Business and Professional Women's Club, League of Women Voters, Portage County Democratic Party, and St. Stanislaus/Holy Spirit Parrish.

She is survived by her children: David (Dar) Kranig of Merrill, Diane (Kenneth Sankey) Kranig of Stevens Point, and Donna Kranig-Brown (Joel Callen) of Menomonee Falls; grandchildren Genevieve (Ben Brandl) Sankey, Giselle (Eric Zahn) Sankey, Hannah (Hayden) Robbins, and Lucas Brown; and one great-grandson Oliver Brandl.  Sisters:  Dorothy (Dave) Pavelski, and Mary Lederhaus; a brother Ted (Rose) Orgish; sisters-in-law Sandra Orgish and Hazel Orgish; multiple nieces and nephews and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Josephine; her husband Jerome in 2014; brothers Michael Orgish, Robert Orgish Jr. and sister Josie Tanck, Brothers-In-Law Clarence, Lawrence, and Sylvester Kranig and Sister-In-Law Rita Pelowski, along with their spouses.

Private family services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, the Auxiliary Emergency Fund, or the Women's Fund of Portage County Endowment at Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Kranig Family . For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com .