Gary Rankin

Gary Rankin, age 72, of Larimore, ND, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Gary Allen Rankin was born February 15, 1951 in Spearfish, South Dakota to George and Dolores Rankin.  He was a child of the Badlands, growing up in Marmarth, North Dakota, one of four brothers.  Gary graduated high school with honors in Baker, Montana and was a state discus and shotput champion.  He graduated from Western Montana College, where he met his wife, Sue.  They were married in 1975 and were blessed with 4 children.  The family later grew to include 2 sons-in-law and 4 beautiful grandchildren.

Gary began his working years early, on the family farm and ranch.  While Sue finished college Gary taught and coached at West Yellowstone High School, driving snow coach into Yellowstone National Park on weekends.  In 1975 Gary and Sue moved to Marmarth to teach school.  They were involved in local community plays and helped on the family farm.  Gary accepted a position as a North Dakota state game warden in 1977, attended law enforcement academy, and was stationed at Larimore.  His love of the outdoors and dedication to the service of others made this the perfect job for him.  His district included parts of 4 counties. Gary served for 36 years, retiring in 2013.

Community and “giving back” were important to Gary.  He was a regular blood donor, taught Hunter Education, and participated in Lions Club and Masons.  He was a member of the ND Game Wardens Association and the North American Wildlife Officers Association.  Gary was instrumental in establishing the International Game Warden Museum at the Peace Gardens.  He served on church council and the board of Northwood Deaconess Health Center.  He rarely turned down a request to speak or help, and never missed a chance to interact with Sue’s second graders whether it be in class or on their famous field trips. Gary was a certified master gardener and a pinochle player.  Along with his children, he cared for a multitude of wild animal babies.

While volunteering as a track coach, Gary took great joy in watching his daughters compete.  After retirement Gary and Sue volunteered at a national fish hatchery in Kentucky, then for 5 years as volunteers at Garnet Ghost Town, Montana.

Gary and Sue backpacked whenever they could, including the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska.  They traveled to several countries, often with family and friends. Gary took great pride in his ancestral heritage, visiting his clan’s castle Duart on the Isle of Mull, Scotland in 2018.

It had long been a dream of Gary’s to build a river cabin and this became a retirement project.  Sue and Gary enjoyed their time at their cabin developing trails, kayaking, building, and cutting wood.  The grandchildren loved especially loved Grandpa’s zipline.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Jack, sister-in-law Barb, and his beloved son Thomas Matthew.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; daughter Emily Rankin (Ben Wermerskirchen) of Waterloo, Belgium;  son William of Grand Forks; daughter Erin Rankin (Brandon Brayfield) of Hastings, MN; and grandchildren Silas, Ilona, Esme, and Lukas.  Gary also leaves behind his brothers and their spouses, a large extended family, and those who became family in Larimore.  We are all better for having had Gary in our lives.

Visitation is Sunday, February 18 from 2-4pm at Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore.  The funeral service is Monday, February 19 at 2pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Larimore. Burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Bellevue Cemetery, PO Box 148, Larimore, ND 58251; Development Homes, 3880 S Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58201; or to the donor’s choice.

***

The funeral service will be live-streamed and posted online for viewing, by going to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Larimore, ND Facebook page:  https://www.Facebook.com/OurSaviorsLarimore

A recording of the service will also be posted on Our Savior's Lutheran Church internet website: https://www.oslclarimore.org. for viewing later.  Someone wishing to watch the recording can do so by first connecting to the church website and then clicking on the homepage "NEWS" tab. Under the "NEWS" tab, there is an appropriately labeled link for the user to click on.