Birth date: Sep 30, 1951 Death date: Aug 9, 2023
Michael Kranzusch, 71, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 in Pana, IL. Arrangements are pending at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home. Read Obituary
Rarely seen without a hat on, happy-go-lucky Mike was a joy to be around. Whether singing along to old '60s hits, or newer songs like Pharell Williams' "Happy" or Baha Men's "Who Let The Dogs Out?", his smile always made others smile.
This diehard Chicago White Sox fan's love of baseball influenced his fetch time with his beloved dog, Ben. Neighbors would hear "High-tee-bite-tee-righty" and know Mike was directing Ben to get a "flyball" thrown to his right. An avid pool player, he also enjoyed horseshoes, bags, darts and chess. His main love seemed to be fishing, which actually got him in the record books in 2007 as World Record Catch & Release Holder for landing a 40 inch Channel Catfish using rod/reel with 8 lb test line. Other water activities included piloting the "Missoura Boatride" pontoon excursions on Lake Pana.
On land, he would entertain us with jokes and stories. He typically would laugh at his own jokes before getting the punch line out. His infectious laugh made us laugh, too. We found excuses to have him retell his work experiences, such as "Outta Order, Outta Order" working in a Chicago factory, and "You Bin Here 4 Hour" having lunch in a Chinese restaurant with his roofing coworkers. Just repeat those phrases and people instantly chuckle and think of Mike.
Would he have become unofficial spokesperson for his cherished Ciclon had it not been discontinued? The world will never know. Perhaps he is in Heaven sipping some Ciclon between casts for catch-and-release fish. Enjoy, Mike!
May my cousin Michael rest in peace, without pain and suffering, in the kingdom of Heaven. My heartfelt sympathy to his siblings: my cousins Kathy, Janet, and Harold.
Love,
Deb Plecki
Michael Barbie Burdzilauskas lit a candle in memory of Michael Kranzusch
