Christine Crane

Christine Crane, known to most as Chris, passed away on Monday, the day before Veterans Day, after nearly a decade of significant health issues. She was 77.

Born on September 21, 1948, Chris graduated with the Class of 1966 from Oshkosh High School (now Oshkosh West High School) and later from Stevens College. She went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. She spent her career in social work, showing up for people who needed support, guidance, or simply someone steady to talk to.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jeanne Crane. She is survived by her brothers Larry, Steve, and Brian; her nieces Ashley (Kurt) Klaske and Jennifer (Bill) Baier; and her great-nephews Ethan and Nick Klaske.

Outside of work, Chris loved crafting in all its forms and had a lifelong affection for the color purple—a trait that seems to run deep in the Crane family. She was also never shy about her political opinions and held them with conviction.

One of Chris’s greatest joys was rescuing small senior dogs. She adopted several over the years, choosing the ones most likely to be overlooked and giving them the comfortable, loved final years they deserved. In her honor, if you see a little dog, give it a friendly “hi.”

Per Chris’s wishes, there will be no funeral or service.

If you would like to make a donation in Chris’s honor, please direct it to the Fox Valley Humane Association at https://www.foxvalleypets.org/.