by Stephanie TABER
John Maikranz’s life is built around his personal philosophy that no matter what
adversities you face, with a positive attitude you CAN overcome them.
After his graduation from LaSalle High School in 1976, John entered the
United States Army and proudly served his country for seven years as a heavy equipment
operator. At the time of his discharge in 1983 John had achieved the rank of sergeant and
received two good conduct medals and one Army achievement medal.
Upon returning from a tour of duty in Germany John delivered cars for
Anchor Motor Freight in Niagara Falls and Michigan, then drove a Tantum dump truck for
Milherst Construction in Gettzville. One day in early November,
1991 John woke up and could not move. He discovered later that a disc had herniated in his
spine. After two surgeries and much physical therapy, John returned to school at the age
of 38.
John graduated in May 1999 from Niagara County Community College with an
Associates degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting with high distinction and a 3.83
GPA. A member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, John also keeps active as a
student member of the Manufacturing Engineer Society and serves on the Pastoral Nominating
Committee at Pierce Avenue Presbyterian Church in Niagara Falls.
Last summer he worked as an Intern Draftsman at Praxair in Tonawanda on a
Cooperative Education assignment.
This fall John will start working toward a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering
Technologies at Buffalo State College.
Married for 22 years, John has two daughters ages 14 and 21, two stepsons
ages 24 and 28, and 5 grandchildren ranging from 3 months to 6 years old.
With all of his work, school and community responsibilities he still manages to be a fine family man.
Stephanie Taber is a freelance writer.