William “Bill” Rancour, age 85 of Buffalo, passed away May 5, 2019.
Our Dad was born on January 28, 1934 in Buffalo, Minnesota. He and all his siblings were born in the house his parents, Thomas and Bertha (Otten), built. They homestead their farm outside of Buffalo on Division Street. His brothers were Lawrence, Herbert, Louie, and Raymond Rancour, and his sisters were Florence Zachman, Marie Riggs, Lorraine Buehl, and surviving sister, Ester Arne.
Bill went into the Air Force right out of high school in 1953, and proudly served for over 30 years. While serving in Vietnam, he received the Bronze Star. He retired at the highest rank of Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) in 1984.
Our father is now in heaven with his Father, our Lord. Our father is still in our hearts and memory forever. His love was for his family and pets. We will miss him until we see him again. He will be waiting for all of us to come home; He loved the family life. He married Janice Kruzel and had two daughters, Tina (Edward) Kern and Deborah Rancour. He later married Loan Anh “Kitty” and her children, Linda (John) Roberts, Andrew (Esperanza) Rancour, Jacque (Regina)Rancour, Robert Rancour, Lisa (Eric) Imiola, and Susan (Greg) Stepovich joined the family. He then married Lila Bruska and her children, Doug Bruska, Gayle (Charles) Melin, and Debbie Schmidt, joined the family.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Charles (Allison) Anderson, Jason Garcia, Derick Garcia, Brandon Garcia, Joey Rancour, Trisha Rancour, Sarah Rancour, James Imiola, Dillon Imiola, Nichole Schmidt, Amie Zavaleta, Andrea Holly, Jeremy Melin, and Jason Melin; great-grandchildren, Bennett Anderson, Raena Garcia, Jessinynia, Alicia, Carlos and Alexander, Brook, Mason and Hailly.
Bill is preceded in death by his wives, Janice and Loan; parents, Thomas and Bertha; siblings, Lawrence, Herbert, Louie, and Raymond Rancour, Florence Zachman, Marie Riggs, and Lorraine Buehl; and many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.
Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Uncle Bill was such a gentle and Noble man. He was a Patriot and a great American. RIP Uncle Bill Rancour.
Lovie Baker
Niece
Uncle Bill had the sweetest, gentle, loving soul. He loved his family and animals deeply. I was always so impressed with his gardening skills and knowledge. I will never forget your smiles, our wonderful conversations, and your kindness. RIP Uncle Bill, we love you. ????