Thief River Falls – Ferrl Ranum, 95, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Ferrl LeRoy Ranum was born February 23, 1928 in New Solum Township, Marshall County, the son of John and Olga Christine (Olson) Ranum. He graduated in country school.
On March 2, 1946, Ferrl was united in marriage to Eldora Elaine Knutson at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Eldora passed away in 2002.
Ferrl entered into service with the United States Navy on January 15, 1952 in Fargo, ND. He served aboard the USS San Pablo and his service took him throughout the world. Ferrl was honorably discharged on January 9, 1956. At that time he returned to live in Thief River Falls where he continued to reside.
Ferrl started work when he was 16 years old. He worked at various places in Thief River Falls including Soo Line Railroad, Nash Finch, Hartz Foods, Arctic Cat and Ace Hardware. He retired at the age of 85 years old.
On February 3, 2003, Ferrl was united in marriage to Ann Marie and they continued to reside in Thief River Falls. The couple had a fantastic marriage and Ferrl was very proud to be a loving husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.
Survivors include his loving wife, Ann of Thief River Falls; Ann’s daughters, Tammy (Donald) Roberts of Seattle, WA and Cindy (Ronald) Hodge of Lancaster; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Ferrl is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and two sisters.
The service to celebrate Ferrl’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Mark Helgeland officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be provided by the Ekelund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and United States Navy Honor Guard.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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