Delbert Rankin

DELBERT RANKIN

Ladora

Delbert Duane Rankin, 64, died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at his home.

Delbert was born Aug. 31, 1949, in Peshastin, Wash. He graduated from Peshastin-Dryden High School in 1967 and attended Oregon Bible College in Oregon, Ill., where he met his wife, Nancy. He graduated with a degree in Theology in 1971. Delbert and Nancy Foster were married Nov. 9, 1968. They raised three daughters, Karah, Chondra and Tascha on a rural acreage near Ladora, Iowa.

In 2011, he retired from the Iowa Valley Schools after 40 years of service. Delbert pastored at Churches of God, Faith of Abraham, for 45 years, but ministered his entire life.

Delbert enjoyed reading, writing, playing trumpet in the Civil War Band, attending sporting events and concerts at Iowa Valley Schools, spending time with friends and family, collecting all things eagle and most of all sharing his love of the Scriptures with everyone with whom he came into contact. He loved to research and wrote a weekly e-ministry that was sent to over 200 people and was translated by others and shared in several languages. Delbert loved to travel all over the country. He was planning a third trip to the Philippines to help spread the gospel. Delbert truly cared for people. Everybody who knew Delbert loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Foster Rankin of Ladora; his daughters, Karah Rankin of Ladora, Chondra Rankin of North Liberty and Tascha (James) Hauber of Ames; four grandchildren, Kenneth Dykes-Rankin and David, Daniel and Megan Hauber; six siblings, Ronald Rankin of Cashmere, Wash., Nola (Sheridan) Payne of Wenatchee, Wash., Phyllis (William) Wachtel of Wenatchee, Wash., Arlen (Sharon) Rankin of Wenatchee, Wash., Darrell (Loretta) Rankin of Erie, Colo., and Russell (Myrna) Rankin of Clear Lake, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Jean (Jim) Rencontre of Ironwood, Mich., Mary (Dan) Peterson of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Kathy Foster of Sycamore, Ill., Susan (Dennis) Brown of Allen, Texas, Elisabeth (Ray) Mulli of Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Judy Foster of Citrus Heights, Calilf.; and brothers-in-law, Sam (Kathy) Foster of Cashmere, Wash., and Dan (Jennifer) Foster of Rochelle, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Forrest Rankin and Evelyn Blanche Ridley Rankin; father-in-law, Raymond Foster; sister-in-law, Virginia Rankin; and brother-in-law, David Foster.

Visitation for Delbert will be held at the Kloster Funeral Home in Marengo on Monday, March 24, from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be located at the Presbyterian Church in Marengo on Tuesday, March 25, at 10 a.m., followed by graveside interment at the Koszta Cemetery and a luncheon at the Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Archival Preservation of Church Literature or the Iowa State Conference in care of Nancy Rankin, 1462 155th St., Ladora, IA 52251.

Delbert is now resting peacefully, awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, to reside in the earthly Kingdom of God (I Corinthians 15:51-52; Matthew 5:5).

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.klosterfuneral home.com.