Youngest child of Victor and Dorothy Ranke. Loving husband of Maggie for 38 years. Proud father of Michael and Kevin. Fun loving brother of Phyllis (Mike) Fiteny, Karen (Chuck) Landstrom and Sandy Ranke. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Russ was the senior class president of Waterford Mott class of 1979. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in 1983 where he also competed in Track and Field. He worked for 23 years with EDS and 18 years with Kelly Services. He was always a large presence in his kids many activities growing up including coaching the inaugural Holly youth football team, announcing for the Holly swim team and volunteering as scout leader for 9 years. Russ was an avid University of Michigan fan, gifted entertainer and gracious host for many events and parties. As he grew older his heart remained young and he continued to hold a passion for superhero movies, pranks and arcade games-most notably a master of the claw machine. Russ always went above and beyond for those he loved, there was never anything he wouldn’t do or give. His presence, warm heart and generosity will be missed by all those who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 1:00pm at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 East Highland Road in Highland. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 17, 2022 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm. Interment will take place on Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11:00am at White Chapel Memorial Park, 621 W. Long Lake Road in Troy, Michigan.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor or The Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute in Flint