Frank E. Ranschau

FRANK EMIL RANSCHAU was born on August 7, 1915 to Henry and Anna (Geldermann) Ranschau on the family farm near Rock Valley, Iowa. He was raised on the land and attended country school through the eighth grade. As a very young adult Frank traveled with a neighbor boy to California where he cured his wanderlust. While in California he worked on a chicken ranch. A while later he returned to farming near Alvord, Iowa. On September 1, 1948 Frank was united in marriage to Virginia Borman in Alvord. The couple farmed near Alvord for a few years before moving to a farm in 1951 in Springwater Township, Rock County, Minnesota (rural Sherman, South Dakota). Frank crop farmed along with raising cattle and hogs. At one point during his farming career, Frank oversaw the largest hog operation in the county. In 1982, the couple moved into Luverne, Minnesota. Frank never retired during his life and always remained a part of the farm. Virginia preceded Frank in death on March 23, 2000. Frank continued to reside in Luverne until Wednesday, June 11, 2014 when he died at the age of 98 years, ten months and four days.

Frank was a member of Rosedell Lutheran Church in Jasper, Minnesota until its closing. He served as an officer of the Farmer’s Union for many years. He enjoyed playing games, cards, fishing and at age 80 he took up playing golf. Frank was an avid reader and enjoyed reading western novels, newspapers and keeping up with current events.

Frank is survived by his six children, Jim Ranschau of Luverne, Pat Austin of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Janet (Jose) Quesada of Tacoma, Washington, Peggy (Jim) Rokala of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jeff (Connie) Ranschau of Cle Elum, Washington, and Julie (Bryon) Foote of Worthington, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Craig Ranschau, Paula Myhre, John Austin, Pam Olson, Mason Rokala, Frank Rokala, Sofie Rokala and Hunter Foote; numerous great-grandchildren; three siblings, Elsie Thielvoldt of Alvord, Rose (Rodney) Grossenberg, Elaine (Jim) Luce of Sioux Falls; two sisters-in-law, Nora Ranschau and Clara Mae Ranschau; and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; parents; and eight siblings, Ann Hass, Ted Ranschau, Hank Ranschau, Carl Ranschau, Martha Baatz, Rich Ranschau, Lillian Rielly and Marvin Ranschau.