John E. Kranich, Cigar-Maker, Dies

Was Lone Survivor Here Of Once-Big Business
John E. Kranich, 83, lone survivor of Ann Arbor's once flourishing cigar-making industry, died yesterday following a heart attack at his home, 1113 Pontiac St.
Mr. Kranich started working as a cigar-maker at the age of 14 - some 69 years ago - continued at the trade in a two-room "factory" at the rear of his home until his death.
He was born in Ethel, Canada, on Oct. 18, 1869, a son of John and Augusta Onlysorg Kranich, and came to the United States with his parents when he was 11 years old.
Learned Trade In Detroit
It was in Detroit that Mr. Kranich first became interested in cigar-making, and after a few years at the trade there he moved with his mother to Ann Arbor.
In 1887 he was employed by the C. F. Kayser cigar factory. In 1921, Kranich bought out the Kayser interests, and in 1927 he moved to present quarters at the rear of his home.
His cigars, known under the trade names of "Charlie's Pets" and "Marca Superfinos," have stood in great demand through the years.
Mr. Kranich was Ann Arbor's sole hand-maker of cigars and was believed to be the only tradesman of his kind in Michigan.
On March 10, 1892, he was married to Katherine E. Gutekunst of Ann Arbor. She died on Nov. 5, 1938.
Was Mason
He was a member of the Golden Rule Lodge No. 159 F. & AM., and a member and sentinel up to his death of the Ann Arbor Council No. 86, R. & S.M.
Survivors include three sons, Henry O. of Toledo, O., and Ernest E. and Walter M. of Ann Arbor; two daughters Mrs. Edward T. Ryan of Ann Arbor and Mrs. Lawrence W. Stillion of Pittsfield township; a brother, Gustave of Benton Harbor; a sister, Mrs. Raymond M. Goodsell of Racine, Wis.; and nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Another daughter, Mrs. Agnes Wint, died on May 26, 1931.
Funeral services for Mr. Kranich will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Muehlig Chapel, the Rev. Erland J. Wangdahl officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, where graveside services will be conducted by officers and members of the Golden Rule Lodge. Friends may call at the funeral chapel.