Rev. Stephen Rankin

Steve loved to tell stories and had a Rankin sense of humor. May he rest in peace.

Reverend Rankin was one of the few truly great men. A role model to everyone, someone who touched many lives and left the world a better place. What a wonderful life he had! I am so glad that I had the chance to visit with him once again at Evergreen in the Summer of 2012. He was the same old "Rev" I remembered from my childhood. I loved his sense of humor. Anyone who had the good fortune to know him was truly blessed.

As I read through the messages people have left in memory of our favorite Pastor, the "Rev" Steve Rankin, I am immensely grateful for the Blessing he was in my family's life and the friendships that started at First United Methodist in Oshkosh. I am so sorry that I did not hear of Rev. Rankin's passing before now. What a positive impact he had on so many. I will never forget him as many others have said also!

RIP Steve. We all enjoyed our visits when we came to Wisconsin and you guys came out to California. Love to Ruth and all. Carol Mauer Yingling & family

Those of us who were teenagers back in the mid-70's knew this fine country gentleman as “The Rev” – sort of like “The Fonz” on Happy Days. He led us on church picnics to Camp Lucerne, on snowy UMYF retreats to the Whitford farm, and on mission trips to Henderson Settlement in Kentucky. While it was perhaps unthinkable to laugh in church when he wove the misfortunes of Charlie Brown into his sermons, it was no surprise that Methodist brass had a tough time replacing him when he retired from...

Those of us who were teenagers back in the mid-70's knew this fine country gentleman as “The Rev” – sort of like “The Fonz” on Happy Days. He led us on church picnics to Camp Lucerne, on snowy UMYF retreats to the Whitford farm, and on mission trips to Henderson Settlement in Kentucky. While it was perhaps unthinkable to laugh in church when he wove the misfortunes of Charlie Brown into his sermons, it was no surprise that Methodist brass had a hard time replacing him when he retired from...

He taught me that developing your sense of humor is an admirable life goal. He baptized me, performed my wedding, and encouraged me in my own path in ministry. We had a hilarious week fishing together in Canada (I remember a Northern Pike flying past our heads at high speed), a variety of funny and often skunk-related adventures, and a lot in common. I've always used him as one of my role models for the word "Grace". Thanks, Uncle Steve!

Rev Rankin was my Reverend at First united Methodist in the old church. I remember going with my mother before the new church was built. He was such a kind man. As a child I was not afraid. My mother felt his sermons were the best and so powerful. We followed him to the new church. Thank you for all of the years of lessons about GOD they have lasted a lifetime.

I have so many memories of Rev. Rankin growing up in the 1st Church in Oshkosh. Rev. Rankin was such a positive influence and spiritual leader for me growing up. I will never forget him. God Bless him, and his family. May the Good Reverend Rest in Peace.