Allan Crane

Allan E. Crane, age 80, Wheaton, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his home in Wheaton.

A Celebration of Life for Allan will be Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosholt Community Center . Note change of location. Lunch will follow the service at the Rosholt Community Center.

Burial will be in the Bethania Cemetery, Rosholt.  MIlitary honors will be provided by the Leo American Legion Post 48 of Rosholt and the Read Veflin American Legion Post 180 of New Effington. Honorary pallbearers will be Loren Dehnert, Gary Crane, and Orville Crane.  Active pallbearers will be Paul Schaunaman, Mark Schaunaman, Mike Steinoff, Vince Geditz, Louie Geditz, and Larry Vipond.

Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt and will continue Tuesday morning one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Allan Edward Crane was born September 24, 1944, in Aberdeen, SD.  His parents Orville and Erma (Nelson) Crane took him to the family farm, where he was welcomed by his six siblings.  Allan lived on the farm for 20 years.  He had wonderful memories of his life on the farm and thought the values he learned there had helped him throughout his lifetime.

Allan graduated from Ipswich High School.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Physics.  He got a Master's Degree from South Dakota State University and a Specialist Degree in School Administration from Chadron State University.

Allan was a member of the 1st Battalion 147th Field Artillery National Guard unit located in Aberdeen, SD, for seven years.  He attended officer training in Rapid City, SD.  He spent a month in Alaska learning winter survival skills as part of his training.

Allan was an educator and worked 36 years in school districts.  He was principal at Wheaton High School for 15 years.  He was superintendent at Rosholt, Roslyn, Grant Deuel, and Ramona.

Allan and his future wife, Doris Dehnert, started dating as teenagers.  They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.  The couple had two children, who were the light of their lives, Becky Crane Hansen and Scott Allan Crane.

Allan retired in 2005.  He enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren.  He enjoyed many trips.  He loved his 3-acre yard and filled it with trees that attracted many birds for his enjoyment.  He also liked collecting baseball memorabilia.

Allan is survived by his wife, Doris; his daughter, Becky (Patrick) Hansen; his son, Scott Crane; four grandchildren, Whitney Hansen (Hanns), Paige Hansen, Morgan Crane, and Isaac Hansen.  He is also survived by a sister, Carol Hagel; a brother, Gary (Dorothy) Crane; and a brother-in-law, Loren Dehnert.  Others who were very important in his life include many cousins, nieces and nephews, and special traveling friends.