Ronald Larry Rank went home to his Heavenly Father on December 26, 2020.  Ronald was born April 29, 1936 in Hintz, Wisconsin.  He was one of six children born to the late Andrew and Helen (Wasmund) Rank.  In 1947, he moved to Cecil, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Gillett High School in 1954 where he enjoyed playing football.  On June 1, 1957, Ronald married the love of his life, Shirley Temple, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pulcifer and they shared 63 joyous years of marriage together.

After high school, Ronald started dairy farming and doing masonry work on the side.  Ronald loved the Green Bay Packers and spent many years going to Packer games with Shirley. He attended all home Packer games as well as Super Bowl XXXI. They also enjoyed snowmobiling as he and Shirley were original members of the Pulcifer Riverside Riders. Many Sundays after church were spent with their family tubing down the Oconto River during the summer months or spending time on Shawano Lake with family.  He also enjoyed bowling and church dartball.

Ronald was a long-time member of St. John's Lutheran Church/Faith United. He served as Chairman and as an Elder at St. John's. Ronald's faith was first and foremost in his life and he and Shirley raised their sons to love the Lord.

After retiring from farming in 2000, Ronald and Shirley built their retirement home on the channel in Cecil.  He finally had the time to fish and spent many hours on the lake. Many anglers on the lake would watch for Ronald in his blue pontoon to see where the fish were biting. He also loved hunting, gardening and reading.  Most of all he cherished time with his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always there to give a lending hand and to offer words of wisdom.

In addition to his devoted wife Shirley, he is survived by his children Greg (Pam) Rank, of Cecil, and their children Tim (Michele) Rank of Cecil, WI, Sarah (Zak) Buruin of Appleton, WI, and Kim (Zack) Olsen of Cecil, WI; Chris (Judith) Rank of Cecil and their children, Lucas (Karen) Rank of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Peri (Javier) Oliveros-Rank of Cecil, WI; Kevin (Kim) Rank of Shiocton, WI, and Jeff (Molly) Rank of Cecil and their children Sawyer and Bea. Ronald is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren Taylor, Paige, Lexie, Emma, Jordy, Kaylee and Mikah; sisters Patricia Riegert and Peggy Boldt; and brothers Dennis (Sally) Rank and Elwyn (Jane) Rank; as well as one sister-in-law, Dottie Rank. Ron also has many nieces and nephews and friends that will remember him with great fondness.

Survivors from Shirley's family include siblings: Nancy Yeager, Ron (Pat) Temple, Jerry Temple (special friend Shelby) and Yvonne (Fred) Christiansen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arvin Rank, brothers-in-law Marvin Riegert, Ron Boldt, Alfred (Bucky) Temple, Willie Yaeger as well as sisters-in-law Judy Temple and Karen Temple.

Ronald was a gentle man of few words. He was cherished by his family & friends and spending time with them was his greatest joy. The impact that he made on those in his life and those that loved him is beyond measure. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Church in Gillett followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Laatsch officiating. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Pulcifer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Faith United Building Fund because of Ronald's dedication to the building project, or to the charity of choice.

The family would like to thank the ThedaCare doctors, nurses and support staff for their superb care during Ronald's final days. A special thank you to granddaughter Kim who was able to be the link between the hospital and family during this difficult time

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com