Harold Elmer Rank

Funeral Services for Harold E. Rank will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church , Pastor Paul Olson officiating. Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Harold Elmer Rank, 100, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Close to Home Hospice House in Gillette, WY. Harold was born on May 23, 1914 in Crow Lake Township, SD to Harry E. Rank and Ada C. (Crist) Rank, the third of eleven children. Harold worked in Gillette in the early 1930's, in coal industry where he met Ruby Harlow, they were married in 1936. Harold and Ruby then moved to the Idaho and Oregon areas where he worked in the logging industry. During this time they had two children Roger in 1938 and Ada Joy in 1941. Harold also worked in the ship yards in Tacoma, Washington during World War II. In 1945 the family moved to South Dakota selling the farm and opened International Harvester Dealership, which was later destroyed in a fire in 1948. Ruby and Harold then returned to Gillette and opened up Rank Plumbing. They divorced in 1953 and Harold married his second wife, Dorothy Czapskie, creating a family along with her three children; Mary, Dorothy and George. Together Harold and Dorothy opened Ford Tractor Dealership. Harold retired in 1979 and moved to Washington for a short amount of time, he didn't enjoy the climate so returned to Gillette. Upon returning Harold bought a junk yard at the sheriff's sale, cleaned it up and opened a machine shop. Dorothy passed away in 1998. In 2001 Harold married Susanna (Sophie) Dutchak, on January 13. Harold had a passion for older vehicles and was proud to rebuild a 1920 Model T. Harold and his 10 siblings remained very close throughout their lives. He looked forward to the Rank Picnic that was held every August in Spearfish for at least 40 years. Harold was also a proud member of 50 years with the Masonic Lodge. He believed family gatherings were his favorite entertainment. He loved the numerous children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews that blessed his life. Harold is survived by his wife; Sophie, daughter; Ada Joy Clevenger, step-sons; Barney Ross, George Czapskie, step-daughters; Mary Conrad and Dorothy Karem, sisters; Melvina and Silvis, brother; Roy, grandchildren; Barb, Wanda, Rex, Randy, Sue, along with numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren. Harold is preceded in death by his parents, second wife; Dorothy, son, Harold "Roger" Rank, step-son; Bill Ross, granddaughter; Barbara Dorson, infant great-granddaughter Jamie, sisters; Florence, and Grace, brothers; Charley, Ernie, Vern, Mel, and John. Memorials and condolences may be sent in the family's name to Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or via website www.gillettememorialchapel.com Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716