Ronald J. Krainz, 83, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024 after a brave battle against cancer.
Ron, as he was affectionately known, was born September 3, 1940 to John and Mary Krainz in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His love of music began at an early age when he started playing accordion. Over the years he would play with many bands, including Louis Bashell and Verne Meisner. He later went on to form his own band, Ronnie K’s Phase II and recorded 2 albums. The infectious smile he had while playing will be remembered by many.
In 1963, Ron entered the Air Force where he learned computer programming. While stationed at Craig Air Force Base in Alabama, he also met his first wife, Lola, or Maxine as she was better known, whom he married in 1967 after he was honorably discharged from the service. They moved back to Wisconsin and had their first daughter, Sharon. He continued working in the computer field for several companies in the Milwaukee area such as Allis Chalmers and Honeywell. In 1975, while Maxine was pregnant with their second child, they tragically lost his parents and daughter, Sharon in a car accident. Daughter, Melanie, was born in October of 1975 and their son, Steven, in 1978. In 1983 they settled in Elm Grove, Wisconsin where he began his business as an independent computer consultant. Tragedy would strike again in 1999 when Maxine passed away from cancer.
And yet, he persevered. He married his present wife, Barbara, also a well known musician, in 2003. Settling in Arizona, the two would continue to play music under the band name of The Karousels. They enjoyed a lot of time traveling in their motor home and spending time with musician friends who came to winter in Arizona.
Not only was Ron a friend to many, he was actively involved in many things: the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, held an active role in the church and helped care for many people over the years.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, John & Mary, daughter, Sharon, and first wife, Maxine.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, their dog, Charlie, daughter, Melanie and son, Steven, step- children Bob Flanum and Karrie Gostomski, several grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Wisconsin at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give to your local Humane Society.
Great accordion player.my thoughts and prayers to family
Great musician who will be missed
My deepest sympathy, Barb!
So sorry for your loss and the community’s loss as well! Sounds like Ron was very active in his day to day life in AZ. Another great accordionist joins the “heavenly band”.
Barb, we are so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We certainly will miss him and his smiles. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest condolences.
My parents,, Joe and Josephine Fuys, were long-time friends of John and Mary, and my sisters, Sally and Donna May, became friends of Rannie and his family. We heard him perform, and danced to his lively polkas. He and I double dated with my date Mary Ann Miller, and her fiend Jerry, for Mary Ann’s 16th birthday back in the 1960s. We enjoyed seeing the Krainzs at family events, particularly around Easter and Christmas when we gathered to enjoy wonderful polish sausage and play cards. Ronnie was a talent and well liked performer. He and his music ]will be remembered, and missed.
I remember Ron because of the nicest smile any man can have. PEACE AND blessings to Ron. And Barb..hang in there. We will all see each other again some day.
Great accordion player.my thoughts and prayers to family
Great musician who will be missed
My deepest sympathy, Barb!
So sorry for your loss and the community’s loss as well! Sounds like Ron was very active in his day to day life in AZ. Another great accordionist joins the “heavenly band”.
Barb, we are so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We certainly will miss him and his smiles. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest condolences.
My parents,, Joe and Josephine Fuys, were long-time friends of John and Mary, and my sisters, Sally and Donna May, became friends of Rannie and his family. We heard him perform, and danced to his lively polkas. He and I double dated with my date Mary Ann Miller, and her fiend Jerry, for Mary Ann’s 16th birthday back in the 1960s. We enjoyed seeing the Krainzs at family events, particularly around Easter and Christmas when we gathered to enjoy wonderful polish sausage and play cards. Ronnie was a talent and well liked performer. He and his music ]will be remembered, and missed.
I remember Ron because of the nicest smile any man can have. PEACE AND blessings to Ron. And Barb..hang in there. We will all see each other again some day.