John Ranes

An outdoorsman with an adventurous spirit, John Ranes was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. A hard worker who savored any time he had on the water, he lived a full life surrounding himself with the ones he loved. John treasured many years of boating and fishing and traveling up north to his favorite regions in Michigan to hunt. John leaves behind a wonderful collection of warm memories that will remain special to his close family and many special friends for generations to come.

Reflecting back on the year 1954, the nation’s economy continued to grow. Marlon Brando and Elvis Presley were household names. Car engines continued to get bigger and more powerful and a gallon of gasoline was a lean 29 cents. During these optimistic times, John Raymond was born to loving parents, Johnny and Shirley (Miller) Ranes in Kalamazoo, Michigan on February 19th. The oldest of five children, John’s arrival brought much joy to the family home. Both of his parents modeled a strong work ethic. His father was a supervisor at Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment, a growing paper mill company and his mother was the owner of Shirley’s Hen House, a local hair salon in downtown Galesburg.

Growing up in Galesburg, John, who often went by John Boy, lived a typical childhood of the times. He loved to run the neighborhood with a local group of kids who have remained his closest friends throughout his life. During his high school years, he worked at a local farm while keeping up with his studies as well as playing on the football team. Graduating with the Class of 1972, he went on to work for Checker Motors, a taxi manufacturing company for twenty years. Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Linda Hamlin Strong, who as fate would have it, the future love of his life came into this world nearly at the same time. Linda was born on the same day and same year and just twelve hours apart. They met through a mutual friend in the year of 1982. On their first date, John went to watch her bowl at Continental Lanes. They shared many commonalities and were ready to share their lives together. Joining in marriage, they shared their four children; Jimmy, Angie, Mendy, and Pam together to complete their beautiful family.

John was a wonderful husband and loving father. A steadfast provider, he left Checkers for K &D Environmental and later bought their convenience store, Country Food & Beverage on Sprinkle Road and TU Ave in Vicksburg. John kept the business well known for its customer service and family-friendly feel from 2002-2014 before he chose to close its doors. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for each and every one of his children over the years. John’s many years on the farm as a teen as well as having a dad who taught him many carpentry and mechanical skills as a young adolescent, as well as his own work experience, led him to be a jack of all trades when it came to handy work. The kids grew accustomed to calling him for support with the home projects or advice on car repairs. He loved to work together with them on projects both large and small. His life was blessed with fourteen wonderful grandchildren whom he adored. He was passionate about sharing his love of hunting and fishing with each of them as well as attending many of their special events and celebrations over the years. There was no doubt that his family was important to him.

When it came time for relaxation, John was surely found out on Indian Lake, the lake he called home for many years. He found great peace and solace in the time he spent on the water. He never took a single day for granted. When friends or family were gathered together, he loved to share stories and make lasting memories often with his humor woven into the time they shared. John’s battle with cancer was not what defined him. Instead, he will be remembered for his kind heart, warm spirit, and ability to model a lifetime of hard work providing for the family he loved. Each time they spend moments on the water, may they feel his presence and reflect fondly on the many treasured times they spent with him. Greatly missed and deeply loved, may his memories continue to burn brightly in their hearts forever.

John R. Ranes, of Vicksburg, Michigan passed away on Friday, May 10, 2019, at the age of 65. John was survived by his wife, Linda; four children: Jimmy (Sondra) Strong, of Sturgis; Angie (Justin) Smith, of Scotts; Mendy (Dave) Witt, of Vicksburg; Pam (Shawn) Sackett, of Scotts; 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by his father: Johnny Ranes; four siblings: Shirlene Ranes, of Kalamazoo; Jerry (Sheri) Ranes, of Galesburg; Mike (Becki) Ranes, of Battle Creek; and Doug Ranes, of Kalamazoo.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 14th from 4 to 7 pm at the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The family will also meet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 am at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Dave Downs officiating. The burial will follow at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit John’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, and/or West Michigan Cancer Center.