Douglas K. Kranbuhl

Boonville- Douglas Keith Kranbuhl, 98, a longtime resident of Woodgate Drive, and husband of the late Mildred, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Rome Memorial Hospital. 

 Affectionately known as Doug, he was born on November 24, 1926, a son of Albert John and Luella Phillips Kranbuhl, in the Town of Boonville, at the 5 Combines Lock Tenders Residence on the Black River Canal. He grew up in Boonville, where he attended school, until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, serving his country in the Pacific Theater of WWII, on the USS St. Paul heavy cruiser. Mr. Kranbuhl was present to witness Japan sign an unconditional surrender ending WWII, on September 2, 1945. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946. 

 After his service, Doug returned to Boonville and was employed for the New York Central R.R and for Steward Hannis Oil Co. of Boonville. For 39 years he was employed for Eastern Rock Products of Boonville, retiring as a crane operator, in 1988. 

 On August 30, 1947, Douglas was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mildred “Millie” Plumber, at the Boonville Methodist Church. Doug and Millie raised 5 children in Boonville, enduring and enjoying all that life gave them and their family. In addition, Doug and Millie enjoyed many years of spending time at their camp where they loved taking four wheeler rides with their family and friends. Doug also treasured many happy memories of extensively traveling with Millie, which included numerous trips to Hawaii. He and Millie also traveled to many USS St. Paul reunions, with comrades Doug served his country with during WW War II. 

 Doug greatly enjoyed hunting and all of nature. He was a charter member of the Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW, Boonville and a member of USS Saint Paul Association, Inc. 

 Doug is survived by a daughter and son in law, Lynda (John) Dailey, Glenfield and a son and daughter in law, Gerald (Debbie) Kranbuhl, Boonville; 15 grandchhildren, 14 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; a son in law, Joseph Zbytniewski; daughters in law, Holly Kranbuhl, Janelle Kranbuhl and Sue Aubrey, who was married to Tim Kranbuhl. 

 Mr. Kranbuhl was predeceased by his beloved wife of 75 years, Mildred “Millie” on December 17, 2022; by a daughter, Claudia Zbytniewski, on January 20, 2024, by sons Timothy, on July 19, 2000 and Douglas, Jr. on January 4, 2013, a granddaughter Stacy and a grandson, Scott. The last of his family, Doug was predeceased by by brothers, Albert “Fred,” Newell, Karl and by a sister, Venita. 

 His funeral service, with Military rites, will take place in the spring, 2025, in Boonville Cemetery at a date and time of be announced. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Fire Department Ambulance Fund, P.O. box 164, Boonville, NY 13309. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.