Jerry R. Ranck

Jerry R. Ranck

Avid Golfer, retired Firefighter, beloved family Dad and everybody’s best friend Jerry “Papa” Richard Ranck passed away with loved ones by his side, in the early morning hours of August 8, 2022. At the age of 73 Jerry is watching over his Family and loved ones from Heaven.

Jerry’s story began September 18, 1948, born in Midland Michigan, and growing up doing what boys do in Northern Michigan, hunting, boating, camping, from time to time causing a little ruckus and of course fancying a girl who caught his eye.   At the age of 17, Jerry met what would be his lifelong love and companion, Doreen Bills, marrying her 5 years later in 1971.  A year later Jerry became a Dad as they welcomed a baby girl, Theresa Lynn into the family, followed by the blessing of another daughter, Janell Renae, 4 years later.

Looking to provide for his now growing family, Jerry put in an application for firefighter in Livonia, Michigan in what would turn out to be the first step in a distinguished firefighting career.   After 26 years, at the rank of Captain, Jerry, retired in 2001, recognized for heroism in the line of duty throughout.  Awarded firefighter of the year in 1990, Jerry, in his words “was just doing my job” when he delivered a baby roadside. In 1998 he was, again, awarded ‘firefighter of the year’ when he rushed into a burning building “that’s my job, nothing special” to search for and retrieve a lady from the structure fire.   Jerry LOVED his firefighting days and family, and that love was only rivaled by his love and time for family.  In his retirement years, you could find Jerry, most mornings, on the front 9 with friends, ever insisting on walking the course even as recent as earlier this summer. 

Similar to his career, Jerry excelled at caring for others.  Friends and family could endlessly count on Jerry always ‘being there’, be it fixing a car, picking up family, being a 2nd father, anything that was needed, without a 2nd thought, Jerry was there.   Jerry was known for bragging to anyone he came across - friends and strangers about his pride and love for his children, his grandchildren and Jerry was blessed to meet and know his Great Grandchildren.   The vacations and times with “Papa” at the helm are legendary.

Jerry was preceded in death and is now reunited in Heaven with his parents , Glen & Rita Ranck, his two siblings, Roy and Gwen as well as a loving faithful dog, Ozzie.   Jerry is survived by and will be celebrated through his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Doreen, 2 siblings ,John and Janet, 2 daughters Theresa (Michael) and  Janell (Edwin), 4 grandchildren Joyelle (Justin), Jared, Braden, Charlotte and 3 Great grandchildren (Mia, James, Levi).

In Lieu of Condolences or Memorials Jerry and his family welcome contributions to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Visitation will take place

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

5:00pm until 8:00pm

Fred Wood Funeral Home

36100 Five Mile Road

Livonia, Michigan 48154

The funeral service will be held

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Visiting 10:00am ~ Service 11:00am

Plymouth Church of the Nazarene

45801 Ann Arbor Road

Plymouth, Michigan 48170

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