Rankin, Charles (Chuck) Hugh 1947-2014

RANKIN, VALENTINE, BRECKENRIDGE, PALM, BRUNGARDT, CABERA, BALL, NICHOLSON, CAPPING, FORD

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/30/2014 at 07:51:17

Charles (Chuck) Hugh Rankin, 67, of Monroe, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014. Graveside services will be held at a later date as Chuck donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Monroe American Legion with a special service, and family and friends visiting from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Chuck was born April 14, 1947, in Iowa City, to Harold Vick and Myra Isabelle (Valentine) Rankin. Chuck worked in the automotive repair industry since age 13 where he worked for Davis Automotive in Monroe. A graduate of Monroe High School in 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, and served his country in the Vietnam War. For several years, Chuck owned and operated Rankin Automotive, his auto mechanic and radiator repair shop in Monroe. Upon retirement from self-employment, he worked for auto parts stores. He loved to bake and spend time with his three grandchildren teaching them to make cookies and pies. He also donated pies to several fundraiser and charity events. His pride and joy were his 1965 Pontiac Catalina and 1965 Scotty camper. Chuck belonged to Skunk River Cruzers car club and attended several car shows with his Pontiac. Through the years, he raised pug dogs, Bubba and Brewster, and upon their passing shared an interest in pug dogs with his good neighbor and friend, Josh and his pug, Bailey. Chuck also enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking on his grill and spending time with his many friends and the Men’s Club. On May 21, 2013, Chuck was honored for his service as a Vietnam Veteran with the Jasper County Freedom Flight.

Chuck is survived by several close friends; his daughter Sandy (Marty) Breckenridge of Monroe; and his grandchildren, Alek of Ames, and Ashlyn and Ayrton of Monroe. He is also survived by his sisters, Darlene Palm of Grimes, Judy (Alfred) Brungardt of Newton, Shirley Cabera of Mason City, Margaret (Phil) Ball of Avinger, Texas, Carolyn Rankin of Omaha, Neb.; and his brothers, Jerald (Celeste) Rankin and Dean (Janice) Rankin, both of Knoxville; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his son Jamie Lynn Rankin; his parents; and three sisters, Faye Nicholson, Alice Capping and Roberta Ford.

Memorial contributions may be made to Monroe Fire & Rescue and HCI Care Services (formerly Hospice of Central Iowa). ~ The Newton Daily News, Newton, Iowa 29 Oct 2014.