Harold E. Ranke, 89, a lifetime resident of Waterford, found heavenly peace at home with his family by his side on March 12, 2024.
Harold was born May 21, 1934 in Burlington To Herman and Linda (nee Johnson) Ranke. He was a 1952 graduate of Waterford High School, where he was active in athletics. He served his country in the 25th Infantry Artillery Division as a cook at Schofield Army Base in Oahu, Hawaii. He married his loving bride, Norma J. Mitsch, on April 14, 1956 at Waterford Methodist Church. They returned to Hawaii following marriage until his discharge in November, 1956. He was able to attend the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for his service in 2019.
Harold and his brother Earl formed a partnership upon his return home on the Ranke Homestead dairy farm. This is where Harold and Norma were blessed with four children, Gary (Debbie) Ranke, Mavis Keyes, Luanne DeBoth, and Kevin (Amy) Ranke, who all survive him. He is furthered survived by his grandchildren Brandon (Carissa) Naramore, Brenda (Perry) Tibbits, Jamie (Tami) Ranke, Jared (Juaney) Ranke, Heidi (Matt) Herron, Travis (Brielle) Keyes, Tyler Keyes, Kyle (Tawney) DeBoth, Nora (Mario) Soliman, Hannah (David) Sage, Joshua DeBoth, Ryan Ranke, Eric (Lauren) Ranke, Kirsten Ranke and Anna Ranke; his brother Earl; 15 great grandchildren, four nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Harold prayed daily for his family and often told them he would remember them in his prayers at night. He was a devoted and loving husband, dad and grandpa and enjoyed following his family in their school and sports activities. In 2014, he retired from farming and they moved to their home in the Village of Waterford.
Harold was community minded, serving on both the high school and elementary school boards for over 20 years. He felt satisfaction in being a blood donor, being active in his church, serving as a 4-H Dairy leader, serving on the Town of Waterford Planning Commission, Racine Co. Fair Board, Racine Co. Dairy Promotion, Southeast Mutual Insurance Board, and member of Racine County Farm Bureau. For many years, Harold and Norma operated the dairy booth of the Racine Co. Dairy Promotion committee at the Racine Co. Fair, serving dairy products to fair goers. He enjoyed attending Wisconsin Badger football and basketball games, as well as watching Packers, Bucks, and Brewers games on television.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alfred and Ellowene Mitsch; son-in-law Mark DeBoth; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Irene and Harold Stelzner, and sister-in-law Lucille Ranke.
Our family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers of ProHealth Home Hospice, especially Pam, Shayla, and Rory, for the compassionate and loving care they provided our husband, dad and grandpa for the past three months.
Visitation will be held 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Calvary Church, W182S8470 Racine Ave., Muskego, with a funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Private family burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Waterford on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to ProHealth Home Hospice, Calvary Bible Church, Friends of Waterford Public Library, or Waterford Community Church are appreciated.
Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.mealyfuneral.com.
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