Joseph Frederick Kranhold

TUCSON- Dr. Joseph Frederick Kranhold December 10, 2024 

Born in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1936, Joe and his family moved to Tucson in 1946 where he was raised on the Triangle JK Guest Ranch. A graduate of Tucson High School in 1956, Joe loved playing football and basketball, leading the Badgers to victory over rival Amphi. He graduated from the University of Ari zona and was an honors graduate of Baylor University College of Medicine. While completing his internal medicine residency at University of California San Francisco he served as Chief Resident, followed by service as a physician in the U.S. Army Reserves.  

Joe opened a private practice in Sacramento, CA, and became a founding member of Sutter Medical Group, practicing Internal Medicine and Nephrology until retirement in 2006. A compassionate physician, he was devoted to his patients and loved practicing medicine. A lifelong Wildcats fan, Joe enjoyed time with family and friends and working on projects at his cabins in Cromberg, CA and Lakeside, AZ. 

Joe married high school sweetheart Sharon Griffith Kranhold in 1959. They were married for 45 years until Sharon died in 2004. After Sharon's death Joe married Susan Via and relocated to the desert he loved. In 2017 at age 80 he received a kidney from wife Susan. Ever the trailblazer, Joe did so well that more transplants were done for recipients in their 80's thereafter at Banner. Susan and Joe named their home Second Chance Ranch, where they rescued hounds, cats and horses. He loved tinkering, sculpting and creating rock art. Joe and Susan enjoyed visiting and supporting artists, traveling, and attending the symphony. 

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved first wife Sharon, infant son Timothy, and dear sister Julie Kranhold. He is survived by his four children with Sharon: Scott Kranhold (Pam), Tracey Weld (David), Paul Kranhold (Donna), and Mark Kran hold, and grandchildren Jesseca Seers (Matthew), Taylor Weld, Evan Kranhold, and Geoff Kranhold, and great grandchildren Taylin and Makenna. The consummate jock, Joe particularly enjoyed beating his three sons at arm wrestling into his 80's. He will be remembered for his dedication to the practice of medicine, his wit unencumbered by any filter, his love of his family, friends and animals, and a willingness to tackle any project, no matter the difficulty or danger.  

Funeral services will be January 7th at 10:30 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tucson followed by a reception for family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Shriners Hospital for Children at www.lovetotherescue.org/ memorial-gifts or Adopt a Native Elder at www.anelder.com.