Raymond Frank Rank, age 91, peacefully passed away to join his Savior in the Heavenly Kingdom on September 14, 2025.
Ray was born on November 24, 1933, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Margaret (Walker) Rank. At the age of 8, he moved with his parents and his sister, Beverly (Herb) Dieckmann, to the Plymouth, Wisconsin area. Ray attended grade schools in Waukau, Racine, Plymouth, Little Elkhart Lake, and Mankato, and graduated from Elkhart Lake High School in 1952.
At the age of 11, Ray became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Glenbeulah, Wisconsin, where he met his greatest earthly blessing—his wife, Marilyn (Rosenthal). They were united in marriage on July 3, 1954.
Ray led a full and active life, working for over 33 years in machine shops, tool and die, and mechanical drafting. He was a skilled craftsman who remodeled their first home and built their retirement home from the ground up. Ray had a deep love for the water and enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan. He also helped with boat deliveries on Lake Michigan, the Illinois River, and the Mississippi River. Ray proudly served as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for 17 years.
A lover of music, Ray sang in church choirs, choral groups, and performed solos at weddings and funerals. He also taught Sunday school for 11 years and was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America.
Ray and Marilyn were blessed to travel the world, visiting many states in the continental U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as taking cruises to the Caribbean, and traveling to destinations such as Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, France (Normandy), Switzerland, and Austria.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, with whom he shared 71 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children, Diane (Bill) May, Mary (Brad) Schmidt, David (Mary Burkhart) Rank, Steven (Cathy Barak) Rank, and Rachel (Brian) Klug. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Ashley Schmidt (Josh Speros), Garrett (Ashlee) Schmidt, Bianca (Hector) Ramos, Aaron (Kira) Rank, Molly (Kevin) Curtis, Elizabeth (Thomas) Schodron, and Elyssa (Brad) Gutschow. His great-grandchildren, Penelope, Eloise, and Finnley Schmidt, Maxwell Speros, as well as Lanie, Aubrey, and Oliver Rank, who will also carry his memory in their hearts. He is further survived by a sister, Beverly Dieckmann; a brother-in-law, Marlon Mehre; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua David Rank.
Ray’s legacy of faith, love, and service to others will live on in the lives of his family and all who knew him.
A funeral service for Ray will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, September 20 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glenbeulah with Rev. Don Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Greenbush Cemetery. Family and friends may visit at the church, 200 Main Street, Glenbeulah on Saturday from 10 am until the time of service at 12 Noon.
Memorials in Ray’s name may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Ray’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the nursing staff of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and the staff at Lakehouse in Sheboygan.
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Wittkopp location in Plymouth is serving Ray’s family.
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