Wallace H. Ranke

Wallace Henry Ranke, of Sebewaing, passed away October 1, 2019, at Brian's House in Essexville at the age of 97. Wallace was born in Birch Run Township, July 13, 1922. Early in life he became a child of God through Holy Baptism and later was confirmed at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church of Frankenmuth, and stayed true to his faith all his life. He attended Frankenmuth Lutheran and public schools.

In 1942 he married Esther Engelhardt who preceded him in death in 1999. He is survived by his 4 children: Diane Romain (Dale) of Caro, Jill Mitchell of Caro, Jacqueline Bishop (Robert) of Ada and Henry Ranke (April) of Bay City. Survived also by 4 grandsons, 10 granddaughters, 38 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, Gary Ranke (Diana) of Birch Run Township, 1 step brother Donald Babcock of Saginaw and son-in-law Lewis Mitchell of Sebewaing.

Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elsie Ranke, step mother Florence Ranke, and 2 step brothers Gerald and Bruce Babcock.

Wallace and Esther were in business most of their life. They owned and operated restaurants in Sebewaing, Caro and Saginaw. During the course of his business career, Wallace was a licensed real estate broker, stock and bond broker and real estate investor.

For 20 years they owned and operated the Jefferson Apartment complex and the Bearinger office and commercial building in downtown Saginaw. While he was in business, he was a member of Saginaw, Sebewaing and Caro Chambers of Commerce, the Sebewaing Lion's Club, where he was president one term and chairman of the Sebewaing Sugar Festival. Wallace also served his country in the U.S. Army with the 112 ^th regimented combat team in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.

Wallace was a current member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing.

Wallace and Esther enjoyed their cabin cruiser immensely and visited many Great Lakes cities, villages and parks.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing, from 2-8pm.

The funeral service will be Friday, October 4, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. Visitation will begin at the church at 10am until the time of service at 11am. Rev. Charles Kuhl will be officiating. After the service there will be a small veteran ceremony outside of the church.

Burial will be at 3pm Friday at St. Lorenz Lutheran Cemetery in Frankenmuth.

Memorial donations may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Brian's House.