Reuben Rank, age 83, a resident of rural Lampson, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at his home.

Reuben was born on December 15, 1941, in Holcombe, Wisconsin, one of fifteen children to parents Gilbert and Alma (Hovde) Rank. At the age of 14, he and a couple of his brothers were “farmed out” to a relative to help with farm work. Reuben worked at an apple orchard in Stillwater, MN for a time before moving to Washburn County and lived on Haynes Road. His grandpa and brothers built a cabin on Gardner Lake. In 1962, they purchased a farm on Gardner Lake and began dairy farming with his brothers Gordon and Roger from 1963 until selling the dairy cows and switching to beef cattle in 1988. From 1976 until 1982, Reuben drove truck for Wolfie Link. He owned beef cattle on the farm until 2021 when he officially passed the farming torch to his nephew, Chris (Roger’s son). Although Reuben never married or had children, he lovingly watched his great niece Emma and great nephew Owen afterschool on occasion.

Reuben is survived by his sisters: Joyce Riley, Beverly Sweeney, Sharon Kortz, many nephews and nieces.

Reuben is preceded in death by his parents, and his many siblings.

A family celebration of Reuben’s life will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the family farm starting with a lunch at noon followed by an interment of ashes ceremony at 1pm.

Last Update: Jun 02, 2025 9:12 am CDT