Catherine Mae Cranker-Wisne

Catherine Mae Cranker-Wisne, born December 9, 1941, in Trenton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026.

Catherine was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love and deep dedication to her family and friends. She embraced her many roles wholeheartedly, bringing warmth, grace, and strength to everything she did.  In her early years, Catherine worked as a model, where her natural poise and beauty shone brightly. She later followed her adventurous spirit into a career as an airline stewardess, a role she truly cherished.  

Catherine also served as an office manager for an advertising agency in Chicago. Later in life, she became a devoted homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and care for her family and friends.  Beyond her professional life, Catherine found great joy in fishing, golfing, entertaining, dancing, singing, and spending time by the water. She loved bringing people together—whether hosting gatherings, sharing meals, dancing to music, or enjoying the outdoors—and her home was always a place of connection, fun, and heartfelt hospitality.  

All who knew Catherine, loved to hear the stories of her many adventures and fond memories. 

She is survived by her loving siblings, Melody (Greg) Fitzpatrick, Anthony Volkening, Rhea Taylor, Renee (David) Swiecki, Rochelle Walker, and Ray (Diane) Cranker; as well as her devoted stepchildren, Joseph (Debbie) Wisne and Allen (Kathy) Wisne. Their lives are forever enriched by the warmth of her spirit and the deep bonds they shared.  Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband Anthony Wisne, sisters, Patricia Despirito and Raelea Rose, and her cherished stepchildren, Lawrence Wisne and Toni Ann Wisne-Sabina, who now welcome her with open arms.  Catherine’s memory will be forever celebrated by those who knew and loved her. Her kindness, humor, elegance, joyful spirit, and unwavering love for her family remain etched in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.  

A memorial gathering will be held at The Ford Chapel – Martenson Family of Funeral Homes in Rockwood, Michigan, on February 8, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor her legacy and share cherished memories.  

Memorial contributions in Catherine’s honor may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Wounded Warriors, or Gleaners Food Bank, Saint Jude, Children’s Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association. 

Rest in peace, dear Catherine. Your light will continue to shine through the lives you impacted.