Harry "Hank" Ranft

Harry J. “Hank” Ranft, 78, of Indianapolis, passed away December 13, 2017. He was born March 1, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Henry C. and Marion (Straney) Ranft. Harry was a long time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and later joined Christ the King Catholic Church. He was a 1956 graduate of Cathedral High School and attended Xavier University. He served in the US Army and the Indiana National Guard. As a proud member of American Legion Post 34, he enjoyed the comradery of many and they enjoyed his easy going manner and sense of humor. Hank was a true American patriot. He loved his country and honored it with his careful attention to the flag. He was guided with the God given and American adopted principle that all are equal.

Although born in New York, he was a true Hoosier at heart when he moved to Indianapolis at age 17. He embraced the work ethic and humility akin to his new hometown. He quickly made friends and they introduced him to a stunning College Avenue girl down the block. Jill Ann Holmes became his bride. His love and faithfulness glowed everyday of their many years of taking care each other and others. The growing Ranft family moved from College Avenue to the Central Avenue corner enclave of wonderful neighbors that became extended family. Harry was a dedicated son caring for his parents in their later years with both compassion and endless deeds. He was adored by his sisters and kept them and their families in his thoughts always.

His life was full of joy as well as challenges that he faced with the same steady determination that carried him through his illnesses in his final years.

He had an early career in banking and later worked in customer service and management. Wherever he worked, he was given the keys to the building. He was the man entrusted with any responsibility due to his loyalty and integrity. He worked hard for his family. He was proud of putting all six children through Bishop Chatard High School. He worked weekends as a co-partner in Slate and Rails Pool Table Recovery. He and buddy Tom traveled to exotic locales like Peru, Brazil, LaPaz, and Cloverdale always returning in the evening with great stories, stained hands and a tired back. Hank could drink beer with the best of them. He may have single handedly kept PBR in business until they regained popularity. He modeled his advice to the young, “If you are going to hoot with the owls, you better still soar with the eagles.”

Hank was a tireless volunteer and passionate about youth sports. At Haverford Little League, he coached and pitched in wherever needed. He was a skilled CYO basketball coach with an affinity for the “C” players at IHM. He focused on the fundamentals and the valuable life lesson of working hard and having fun. He fancied himself as a flawless free throw shooter in what is believed to be the only point of self-aggrandizement in his lifetime.

He loved and cared deeply for his children and grandchildren. He seemed to be at every game, show, or school event. He logged hundreds of thousands of miles as the most reliable driver, Dad, and Grandpa there could ever be. He was a bit of a worrier. If you told him about travel plans in a week, he called you the day before with the weather report and wanting to know your travel plans. He had enough love, selflessness, and thoughtfulness for all in his sphere.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jill Ann Ranft; daughter, Tami Ranft Howard and her children, Austin and Tyler; son, Matthew Ranft and his wife, Diane and their children, Michaela, Caroline, and Katherine; son, Michael Ranft and his child, Elijah; daughter, Lynn Ranft and her children, Quinn, Chandler, and Annelise; son, TJ Ranft; son, Derek Ranft; and sisters, Susan Ranft Keating and Mary Jean Priest.

He is also survived by the many friends gathered but never lost that he met through work, church, Haverford, the neighborhood, or his favorite watering holes. He was loved as a humble man with an easy smile, a compassionate ear, a good story, and the ability to make those around him feel better just being his friend.

Visitation will be 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, December 17, at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, 2126 E. 71st St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46220. His Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Monday at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Dr., Indianapolis, Indiana 46220 with inurnment to follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or the American Legion Post 34, 2210 E. 54th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46220.

Online condolences may be left at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com