Ranschau, Charles T. 1937-2009

RANSCHAU, WYFFELS, MCLAUGHLIN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Rock Valley Bee (5-20-2009)

Born: October 17, 1937
Died: May 11, 2009

Charles T. Ranschau, 71, rural Sioux Center, Iowa, died Monday, May 11, 2009 at St. Luke's in Sioux City, Iowa. Funeral Service will be 10:30 am Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rock Valley. Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday with family present at 6-8 pm and Prayer Service 7 pm at Porter Funeral Home, Rock Valley.

Charles was born October 17, 1937 on the family farm, son of Ted and Irene (Wyffels) Ranschau. He graduated Rock Valley High School in 1955; attained his Bachelor of Science Degree at SDSU at Brookings, South Dakota, and served in the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kansas and Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Charles married Ruthanne McLaughlin on September 7, 1963 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Sioux City, Iowa. Charles and Ruthanne raised their 5 children and farmed together for the next 45 years south of Rock Valley. He served as Eucharistic Minister and was on the Board of Directors at St. Mary's Catholic Church; was a Township Director for the Sioux County Cattle Feeders Association; a 22 year board member at Rock Valley Farmers Elevator Company; and received the 2008 "Outstanding Conservation Farmer Award" from Sioux County Soil and Water Conservation District for his accomplishments in conservation of soil, water, and renovation resources.

Charles is survived by his wife, Ruthanne; children, Theresa (Tom) Souvignier of Canton, South Dakota, Christine Ranschau and husband Orin Vonk of Rock Valley, Iowa, Joseph (Vicki) Ranschau of Rock Valley, Greg Ranschau and fiancé Brenda Reinke of Rock Valley, Andy Ranschau and his special friend, Lynne Benedict of Rock Valley; 5 grandchildren, Ted and Taylor Souvignier, Brittany, Elizabeth, and Madeline Ranschau; running partner, brother David (Barbara) Ranschau of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; loving sister, Susan (Bill) Bryce of Lawton, Iowa; and constant companion border collie, Jenny.