Education
Kranz began playing football for the Milwaukee State Teachers (currently known as the ), but was drafted into military service during World World War World War II He was with the Air Force"s troop carrier command in England as a radio operator on aircraft that carried troops into combat zones in France, Belgium and Germany. He earned five battle stars and several medals during his service.
Returning to college, Kranz played football for four years from 1945 to 1948 at the Milwaukee State Teachers Earning four collegiate letters in football, he also earned three letters in track claiming the conference discus title in 1946. At the age of 26, he became the first UWM player to be drafted to a professional football team
