Susan Rank

Susan "Sue" Jane Rank, 84, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Born on September 25, 1940, in Oak Park, IL to Kenneth and Mildred (Holicky) Kessler, Sue graduated from Riverside Brookfield High School in 1958. She attended Kalamazoo College, where she met Robert Bruce Rank, the love of her life. Pursuing her passion for teaching, she transferred to Western Michigan University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1964. Sue taught fourth grade at Vine Street Elementary in the Kalamazoo Public School district for three years before dedicating herself to raising their family.

Sue and Bruce were married on August 13, 1960, at Riverside Methodist Church, and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Throughout their marriage, they made their homes in Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Mio, Michigan, eventually returning to Kalamazoo, where their journey together began.

A dedicated volunteer, Sue served as treasurer of the Allegan General Hospital Auxiliary, a Cub Scout den leader, and on various committees at both Allegan United Methodist Church and Mio Methodist Church. She was also active in the Lady Lions Club in Mio. Sue passionately supported her children's activities, volunteering in their schools and supporting band boosters, athletic boosters, and theater productions. In later years, she became her grandchildren's greatest advocate, proudly attending their games, tournaments, performances, and celebrating all their accomplishments.

Sue was an avid reader and also enjoyed crossword puzzles. She treasured a family peony over 100 years old that she transplanted to each home where she lived. Sue also loved dogs and spent much of her youth in the show ring or grooming dogs with her parents for American Kennel Club shows. She cherished family time on frequent vacations to Mackinac Island, Stony Lake, Lake Michigan, and Sanibel Island, Florida.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Mildred Kessler. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; son Kenneth (Dawn) Rank and their children Nolan and Madelyn of Zionsville, Indiana; daughter Elizabeth (Clifford Joseph III) Brink and their children Trenton and Alan of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In keeping with Sue's wishes, cremation has taken place, and her family held a private ceremony to honor her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue's memory to the Kalamazoo Public Library, https://www.kpl.gov/category/about/support-the-library/financial-gifts/

Please visit Sue's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with her family at https://www.Langelands.com