KRENTZ, Stuart Franklin

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, January 26, 2003 Stuart Franklin Krentz, November 24, 1908 - January 22, 2003. Stuart Franklin Krentz, a popular, highly respected pioneering Arizona cattleman, died peacefully in the arms of his family at his home in Bethesda, Maryland on January 22, 2003. Born November 24, 1908 in Douglas, Arizona to Frank Ignatius Krentz and Sara Arizona Dugan Krentz. Stuart was a 1926 graduate of Douglas High School. In 1931 he graduated with a degree in chemistry from the University of Arizona, where he distinguished himself as class president his junior year. His subsequent tenure in managing the Krentz Ranch outside of Douglas was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre from 1945 - 1946. Upon his return to Cochise County, he was elected to the Arizona State Legislature, where he served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1947 - 1948. From 1949 - 1952. Mr. Krentz lived and worked in Mexico for the U.S. Department of Agriculture on eradication of foot and mouth disease. Upon returning to Arizona, Mr. Krentz settled his family in Phoenix where he worked as a livestock loans officer for the First National Bank of Arizona from 1952 to 1973. He was an active member of the Arizona Cattle Feeders, Arizona Cattle Growers, BPOE, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, the Cowman's Club, Take Two Tennis Club, and AFTOSA International. He spent most of his retirement years in Phoenix and Tucson until joining his son's family on the East coast in January, 2001. Mr. Krentz was predeceased by his parents, his wife the former Vivian Loryne Forness of Hornell, New York; his sisters Mildred and Caroline Krentz, Eleanor Bodenhammer, and Dorothy Hetle; and his brother Robert N. Krentz. He is survived by his son, Capt. Michael J. Krentz, Medical Corps, United States Navy, daughter-in-law Kathryn Sykes Krentz, brother Jules Louis (Edna) Krentz, sisters, Bertha Ramer, Marian Brooks, Ann Prather, and Carol Rice, grandchildren, Deborah (Greg) Marshall, Michael W. (Chrissy) Krentz, Juli Krentz, Lisa Krentz, Kathryn Dykgraaf, James Dykgraaf, and Matthew Stuart Krentz; plus eight great-grandchildren, nineteen nieces and nephews, and longtime family friend, Wendy Donohue. Truly one "who knew no stranger" he was a gregarious, generous, enthusiastic man with a delightful wit and a warm, winning smile. He embraced life to its fullest. And he loved and cherished the land and all the men and women who work it. He was the finest cowboy, gentleman, patriot, uncle, grandfather, brother, husband, and father. He was a friend to all, enemy to none, and hero to many. Mr. Krentz will be laid to rest next to his beloved spouse in Calvary Cemetery, Douglas, Az. Contributions, if any, should be directed to the Arizona Humane Society, 9226 North 13th Avenue, Phoenix, Az., 85021; or to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Naval Base Norfolk, 7928 14th Street, Suite 238, Norfolk, Va., 23505-1295. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.