Herman “Earl” Ranke, 96, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 15, 2025. He was a lifetime resident of Waterford, born Sept. 10, 1928, to Herman and Linda (nee Johnson) Ranke.
As a young boy, Earl was a farmer at heart. He enjoyed the cattle, but especially loved working and maintaining the machinery and crops. He graduated from Waterford High School in 1946 and immediately took on the farm. On Aug. 16, 1952, he married the love of his life, Lucille Mitsch. They resided on the farm all 71 years of their married life. He farmed in partnership with his brother Harold for over 50 years beginning in 1957.
Earl and Lucille were blessed with two children, Marcia and Bruce (Debra) Ranke. He is also survived by four grandsons, Andrew (Katie) Ranke, Jeremy Ranke, Nathan (Vanessa) Ranke and Aaron (Sarah) Ranke; sister-in-law Norma Ranke; seven great-grandchildren; six nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Earl was preceded in death by his wife Lucille, brother Harold, parents, sister-in-law Irene and brother-in-law Harold.
Earl was strong in his faith and enjoyed reading scriptures daily. For over 25 years he and Lucille spent the winters at Bibleville Conference Grounds in Southern Texas. Days in Texas were often spent on helping with projects in Mexico. They enjoyed traveling, cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean, and especially spending time at the cabin in northern Wisconsin. Earl loved the outdoors and prided himself in mowing and lawn care. He served on the Waterford High School Board and was a member of the Farm Bureau.
Visitation will be held 10 until 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Cotton Exchange Plantation Hall, 345 Hickory Hollow Road, Waterford, with a funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Waterford.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Earl’s honor to Camp Forest Springs, N8890 Forest Lane, Westboro, WI 54490 or The Woods, 9025 Camp Awana Rd., Fredonia, WI 53021.
The family wants to give a special thanks to the caregivers at Waterford Senior Living, ProHealth Care and St. Croix Hospice.
Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Ranke family. For on-line condolences, please visit www.stencelfh.com.
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