Jimmy Cranke, 81, of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and formerly of Louisiana, has died.
Born June 9, 1935, Cranke was son of Thomas Nolan and Lottie (Evans) Cranke in New Orleans. He attended Eldorado High school in Eldorado, Ark. and graduated in 1953. Following graduation, he attended Southeastern Louisiana College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1959.
He taught vocal music for grades 1-12 in Hahnville for several years. He then continued his education at Oklahoma University where he completed a master’s degree in fine arts. He also studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. Cranke was a very talented musician and sang with the New Orleans Opera and San Antonio Opera for several seasons. He then accepted a position with Kansas Wesleyan University where he was head of the Drama department.
Cranke auditioned for movies, being cast as an extra while living in Louisiana. After his retirement, he worked as a cook for Solomon Episcopal Conference Center in Loranger, La.
He is survived by his daughters, Sylvia Ballman (Dave) of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and Sondra Grote (Mike) of Filley, Neb.; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Services for Cranke, were held March 4 at First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg followed by burial will at Evergreen Cemetery, also in Emmetsburg.
To leave an online condolence please visit martinmatticefuneralhome.com.
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