NEWHALL - Erna Matilda Clausen Kranz, age 90, died Thursday evening, September 13, 2007 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton following an extended illness.
     Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, September 17, 2007 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.  Visitation will also be held at the church from 9 AM until service time on Monday.  Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Shellsburg.  Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.  A Memorial Fund has been established for St. John's Lutheran Church in Newhall.
     Erna was born July 28, 1917 at Van Horne to George and Martha (Conrad) Kerkman.  On August 16, 1938 she married Hans Clausen at Vinton and he preceded her in death in1968.  She married Arnold Kranz on December 19, 1981 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall.  Arnold also preceded her in death.
     For fifty years Erna was employed at Rockwell Colllins in Cedar Rapids on the assembly line and as an inspector.  She enjoyed crocheting and knitting and loved mushroom hunting.
     Erna is survived by her son, George (Donah) Clausen of Atkins; her daughter, Janette McClintock of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
     In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl, Paul, Eldon and Harold Kerkman; and her sisters, Frieda Corporon, Hilda Dolge, and Viola Grogan.