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Wilbur John Hartranft, 86, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 after a short illness. Wilbur was born October 29, 1920 the oldest of four children to John and Lulu Groat Hartranft in Battle Creek, MI. He graduated from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, and entered the service as a naval reserve while still in high school; he was called to active duty in March 1941. During WWII he served in Aleutians; operated landing craft during the invasion of Guadalcanal; served aboard the US Zeilin, at the end of the war, he was stationed at a PT-boat base in the Philippines. On June 21, 1944 he married his lovely bride Iva-Beth Cain in Alameda, CA. Wilbur spent most of his post war years at Grosse Ile Naval Air Station (1952-1962); he was BM 1st Class, operating a "crash" boat for air sea rescue. After retirement from the Navy, he operated a survey boat for U.S. Public Health Services (now EPA) at Grosse Ile in the initial stages of environmental pollution work in the Great Lakes. He took a medical retirement in 1969 and in 1970 moved to Rio Rancho, NM. He and Iva adopted two sons, Michael and John. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 60 years, serving as district deputy and holding many other offices with the organization. He was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Rio Rancho. Wilbur enjoyed traveling, particularly cruises. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Roland and Milt; and sister, Angela; and his son, John in 1973. Wilbur is survived by his wife, Iva; son, Michael; three grandchildren, Tanner, Megan, and Kyle; and great-grandson, Jayden. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2007 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services at Vista Verde, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, January 15, 2007 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd., Rio Rancho. Interment will follow in Vista Verde Memorial Park. Arrangements by Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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