MARTY’S STORY

July 14th, 2008 was the day that changed everything forever. On this day, Marty and his wife Stefanie had driven from Clear Lake to Watertown that morning. Typical of Marty’s generosity, he went out to the farm, offering to help on the farm with the busy time of hay season. He was asked to bail hay in an alfalfa field around the pond where he spent countless hours enjoying one of his true passions in life, fishing.

Not long after starting to bail, a medical condition caused Marty to pass out, losing control of the tractor. The trajectory of the tractor took Marty into the pond that he had planned on joining friends for a night of fishing later that evening. Marty drowned that afternoon at the young age of twenty-four. He died only two weeks before he and his wife Stef’s first wedding anniversary and their move to Omaha.

Marty grew up on a dairy farm in Watertown, SD, the 7th of eight children. From the beginning, it was clear that he was special; whether it was his big smile and piercing eyes, his charm and charisma, his exceptional athletic ability or his unbelievable humility and concern for everyone around him, he was a man that had an uncanny ability to stand out and impress everyone around him. Marty’s incredible presence was always able to lighten the mood and light up any room. With his unique sense of humor, he was able to bring a smile to all he encountered. Marty was visibly happy, calm, and confident. His faith was obvious and his integrity and generosity were unwavering byproducts of his relationship with God.

Marty excelled in athletics from an early age. From his successes in the State Finals for Punt, Pass & Kick at age 8 all the way to the State 11-AA Football Championship at 17, Marty showed true heart while competing as a Watertown Arrow. In the fall of 2002, he continued his career as a linebacker for the SDSU Jackrabbits.

In his senior season, Marty was selected as a semifinalist for the 2006 Draddy Trophy, an honor that highlighted the hard work and character he displayed as an athlete. Marty lived to compete, and he did so with integrity and respect for those around him, including his opponents. He was a true team player and led by example.

Marty started ‘dating’ his true love when he was 13 years old. The question was never if Marty and Stefanie Petersen would get married, only a question of when. On July 27, 2007, Stef and Marty’s hearts were joined forever in marriage – a day that was a magical celebration of love, family, and friends. Along with their black lab Sadie, another of Marty’s prides in life, the couple spent their first year of marriage in Clear Lake, SD, where Marty taught and coached while Stefanie finished up her degree at South Dakota State University. They spent the summer of 2008 working and preparing to move to Omaha, NE, where the two would attend graduate school.

While Marty’s death was indeed tragic, his memory will live on through each of us forever. God often brings people into this world that forever impact everyone that they encounter, humbling some and changing others. In his short 24 years, Marty changed lives as a friend, teammate, coach, and family member. The effect he had on each person he spent time with is extraordinary, but the impact his life will have on the world is simply unmeasurable.

The Marty Kranz Scholarship and Grant will honor Marty’s memory and strive to recognize extraordinary character, integrity, and humility. The scholarship will honor the people who have chosen to live their life with the upmost character – the way Marty chose to live his life. The grant will attempt to make an impact on students of the Watertown School District, just as Marty had strived to his entire life. It is with great pride that this fund gives us all the chance to Live Like Marty Kranz.