A Father's World?

During the early morning hours of June 6, 2010, the most devastating tornado to hit NW Ohio in years took the life of five people including a 4-year-old boy and his mother, a 21-year-old woman trying to take cover at a police station, a woman in her 50s struck by debris while driving and a father in his 40s who left his family protected in the basement of his home. He left to hook up the generator to the sump pump ensuring the low flood plain wouldn't allow water into the basement and to retrieve one of the family's dogs. Sadly, debris from the tornado killed Ted Kranz instead. He is survived by his loving wife; Cynthia, children; Katie, Courtney, and Michael Kranz.

Ted was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. In his spare time Ted enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing and tennis, and he especially enjoyed attending his children's sporting events. But it was his daughter's graduation, Katelyn, which was supposed to take place later that same day, to which he was most looking forward. She was the Valedictorian of her senior class. And was preparing to study Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. Because the tornado caused $100 million in damages and ruined or severely damaged 100 houses, including Katelyn's Lake High School, her graduation took place on June 8 at Owens Community College. She didn't give a speech, but did attend and was overwhelmed with the standing ovation she received with her diploma. Her father's death reminds us that this still is a father's world. And when any of ours SO love the world that they end up dying in it, protecting those they love, people of faith and even no faith applaud. Maranatha!!!

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Courtesy Lisa Flam AOL News and Witzler Shank Funeral Home and AP Photo/J.D. Pooley