Russell "Russ" W. Rankin

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Russell “Russ” W. Rankin, who died at the age of 102 on March 5th, 2025 (He passed away 34 hours before his 103rd birthday). He was born March 7, 1922, in Virden, IL.

He graduated from Virden Community High School Class of 1941.

A World War II veteran, he served his duty in the Army from October 22, 1942, to April 2, 1946. He was assigned to the Military Police. Transporting POWs, he traveled to various locations including Hawaii and Italy. He also was assigned time at Ft. McCoy, Sparta, WI as an MP guarding German and Japanese POW. While his time there, he met his future wife, Mildred Hoyer. They were Married June 9, 1945. Mildred passed away November 28, 2010. They were married 65 years.

Russ worked at Joseph J. Leinfelder & Sons Inc. on Ward Avenue in La Crosse for over 50 years as a welder. He was very proud of the work he did and would tell everyone about the jobs he created. Russ looked forward to going to work each and every day!

Russ is survived by his daughter, Shirley Hutchins (Robert Hutchins, deceased) who lives in Bay Town, Texas; son, Thomas Rankin (Kay Kwosek-Rankin) who lives in Onalaska, Wisconsin; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

A special thank you to Russ's extended family, the staff at Onalaska Care Center. He lived the last 4 years of his life there and he always told us how everyone was kind and caring with him.

A private family service will be held with burial taking place at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations or memorials in his name, directly to Onalaska Care Center, 1600 Main St, Onalaska WI 54650.