Obituary: Cheri Crane

Cheri Crane, 92, tap-danced her way to heaven to sing with the angels on Saturday, December 17, 2022. She was born November 15, 1930 in Aitkin County, the second of five girls. She grew up in the Kimberly and McGregor area.

She will be fondly remembered as such a sweet lady with a beautiful smile and graciousness, politeness and kindness that we should all aspire to have in our lifetime. Her love of family, sunshine, flowers, dance and music were a constant in her life. Her God-given talent in singing and dancing, plus her outgoing personality made people refer to her as the Shirley Temple of Aitkin County.

She lived and worked in Minnesota and Alaska for much of her adult life. After retirement, she returned to the McGregor area to be closer to her family.

She spent her winters in Alamo, Texas, where she enjoyed the sunshine and new friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Theron “Mama Jo” Sears; sisters, Carmen Bonneville and Marsha Bland; first husband, James Boelter; and the love of her life, husband Ralph Crane.

She is survived by her children, Jane (David) Vranish, of Aitkin, Judy Hutar (Jimmy Turek) of Spring Lake Park, Jeff Boelter (Kim Ruben) of McGregor and Jeri Anderson (Tony Rinta) of McGregor; sisters, Darla (Jack) Gould, McGregor, Holly L’Amour of Bentonville, AR; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ekelund of McGregor; grandchildren; Julie, Jill, Joy, Jacy, Jady, Joshua, Jason, Jazzie, Jackie, Jeana and Jayna; 20 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends that will also miss her dearly.

Cheri’s service will be held on December 29, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church (Big Sandy) McGregor. Visitation at 10 and Celebration of Life at 11. Lunch to follow. Burial will be held in the spring at Fort Snelling. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet.

Memorials are preferred to be given to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.