Rank, Mary June

Mary June Rank, 87, of Williamsburg, died Monday, August 23, 2010, at the Highland Ridge Care Center, Williamsburg. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, North English. The Rev. Joseph Roost will preside. Burial will be in the Armah Cemetery, near North English. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Powell Funeral Home, North English, with a wake service at 7 p.m.

She is survived by her children, Paul Rank and wife Gina of rural Deep River, Sandra Cobb and husband Michael of North English, and Karl Rank and girlfriend Tressa Burch of Norway; and two granddaughters, Stephanie and Desta Rank.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband in December 2008; and a sister, Louise Roberg.

Mary was born June 15, 1923, near Central City, Iowa, the daughter of Elias Johannes and Irene (Miller) Thompson. She graduated from Central City High School in 1940. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Jacob Carl Rank on August 13, 1955, in Cedar Rapids. They farmed near Deep River, until moving to Highland Ridge in Williamsburg in 2005. She worked for Rockwell Collins, Wilsons and Holden's throughout her lifetime. Mary and Lloyd hosted many foreign exchange students over the years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, North English. She was instrumental in founding the Cattleman's Association Cowbells of Iowa County, where she was a district director and held the title of Cowbelle of the Year. She was a 4-H leader, a great pianist and seamstress. She and her husband enjoyed numerous vacations in many countries around the world. They also enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair.

A memorial fund has been established for St Joseph's Catholic Church and Armah Cemetery. Messages and tributes may be left at under obituaries.