Christopher D. "Chris" Ranum

1963 - 2025

Janesville, WI - Christopher "Chris" Ranum, age 62, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2025, likely after making one last pun and scheduling one last job. Born on February 13, 1963, Chris was the beloved son of Paul and Leona "Lea" (Ueland) Ranum. He spent his life rooted in hard work, deep love for his family, and a sense of humor that could make even a grumpy tree crack a smile.

On November 14, 2009, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Porter. Together they blended their families, creating a beautiful life full of laughter, love, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Chris was the proud father of Jon (Ashley) Ranum and Nicole (Marvell Cooper) Ranum, and bonus dad to Carrie Jensen and Jodi (Paul Quade) Porter.

Chris owned and operated L.P. Tree Service alongside his wife, Cindy, son Jon, and daughter Nikki. He didn't just work hard-he lived for it. His shop was his second home, his truck was his office, and "days off" were usually just days with client phone calls and driving by potential job sites. If he wasn't running machinery, he was most likely sharing his tree knowledge just for the fun of it. He loved riding in his Jeep or K5 Blazer, camping with his family, and taking the occasional cruise (as long as someone swore the shop would survive without him).

Chris had an unforgettable laugh and a legendary gift for puns-whether you asked for one or not. He could find humor in almost anything, and if you were lucky enough to stand near him for five minutes, you probably walked away hysterically laughing or shaking your head. His family meant the world to him, especially his grandchildren, whom he lovingly referred to as "his babies," no matter how grown they got.

Chris is survived by his wife, Cindy; children: Jon (Ashley) Ranum, Nicole (Marvell Cooper) Ranum, Carrie Jensen, and Jodi (Paul Quade) Porter; 12 grandchildren: Ariana, Amaya, Ashton, Leanna, Avayah, Hendrix, Malik, Autumn, Dayton, Johnathan, Treven, and Tanner; 4 great-grandchildren: Jonas, Khloe, Lucas, and Sophia; siblings: Gary (Patsy) Ranum, Debra Maher, Mark (Craig Bodoh) Ranum, and Curt Ranum; and many other family members, friends, and loyal clients who became like family.

He was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents; his brother, Tim Ranum; and his sister, Paula Schutt.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, 21 S. Austin Rd, Janesville, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home and again on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Chris would want you to plant a tree in his memory-preferably a strong one, and please, trim it properly. For online condolences, visit www.apfelwolfe.com.