Photo by Mary Crane Dan Crane is shown with granddaughters Delaney, left, and Kinsley Deyaert.

CHASSELL — Dan Crane would attest that behind every good man is a good woman.

The Chassell strawberry farmer attributes choosing the right spouse for his success as a man, as a father and as a grandfather.

Beaming while talking about his wife Mary, Dan advises the younger generation to “choose wisely” when it comes to picking a spouse. And they should listen, because Dan knows a thing or two about picking.

With 3.500 strawberry plants on his land, Dan will pick up to 6,000 quarts of berries in a good year — with help, of course.

Considered a collaborative endeavor, farming is all about bringing people together for the Cranes. With siblings, parents, neighbors and eventually their own children in the field, these two graduates of Houghton High School and Michigan Tech and co-proprietors of the Crane Berry Farm understand the value of hard work and sharing the load.

Dan and Mary’s story started on the way to a Klingville Road berry farm, where the 11-year-olds first met and where they began cultivating a love and appreciation for farming. They were eventually married and grew their family to include two daughters, Amanda and Rachel.

Dan’s belief that if you “do something, do it well” held true with his children, in whom he and Mary fostered a strong work ethic, a passion for education and a sense of community contribution.

As a nearly lifelong resident of Hurontown and Chassell, Dan emphasizes his love of community and the importance of giving back.

Until his retirement after 32 years from Upper Peninsula Power Co., Dan was able to support the community through his job. His mission continues through volunteerism and other contributions to many Copper Country organizations, most notably Big Brothers Big Sisters, for which the Cranes’ support comes in the form of a silent auction for BBBS’s annual bowling fundraiser, and Chassell Lions Club, as an integral part of the annual Strawberry Festival.

Dan’s community involvement extends to parental involvement. He is proud of his 16 years of service on Houghton-Portage Township School Board and acknowledges the importance of involved parents. He is grateful for a life that allowed him to have a visible presence at his daughters’ academic, civic and athletic events.

Both Amanda and Rachel participated in basketball and track and field – specifically pole vault – through their years at Houghton High School.

“I was fortunate to do that,” the proud father says, regarding attending the girls’ events.

Well-established as a “girl dad,” Dan is now happy to be called Grampy by his young granddaughters, Kinsley, 5, and Delaney Deyaert, 3, with whom he and Mary take an active role while parents Amanda, a chiropractor, and Eric, a civil engineer, earn a living. His younger daughter Rachel is an architect in Minnesota.

Dan enjoys renewing his love for the Keweenaw through his granddaughters’ eyes. Activities, such as traveling to waterfalls and hunting for agates, are ways he invests in them, devoting time and energy to the next generation.

He and Mary resolved decades ago to stay and raise their family here. Dan’s passion for the Keweenaw and his interest in the local economy have fueled his involvement in the Local Development Finance Authority as part of the Michigan Tech SmartZone.

“I want to keep people here,” Dan says, emphasizing his commitment to the region.

The Cranes are members of the Center Court Club for the Huskies women’s basketball team, hosting a player in their home for meals or holidays. Dan likes to give these student-athletes a chance to get involved with his farm and with service to their community, a philosophy he adhered to as a parent.

“It’s important to give kids opportunities to try,” Dan says. “Don’t force kids.”

The lessons and values passed on from his father Richard Crane and his neighbor, mentor and friend Albert Chaput are part of what propels Dan. Losing both men in 2019 fostered a stronger resolve in him.

Dan’s life continues to be a testament to his best advice, “Spend as much time with your family as you can.”