David William "Dave" Ranken

David "Dave" William Ranken, 79, of Dixon, IL, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at his daughter's home, surrounded by family. He worked as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic for Dixon Cement Plant, for 20 years.

Dave was born on April 21, 1946, in Dixon, the son of John and Vivian (Halleran) Ranken. He married Nancy "Gail" Harvell on September 5, 1965, in Dixon. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church, First Baptist Church (serving as a Youth Leader at both churches), and later attended Dixon Church of the Brethren. Dave enjoyed gardening, farming, and planting trees (many, many, trees to be exact). He was known as a "jack-of-all-trades" and could do or fix most anything; his favorite pastime was to be working. Dave often tinkered with cars, did mechanic work, and took things apart just to put them back together again. Above all of these things, he was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

Dave is survived by his wife, Gail Ranken of Dixon; two children, Jeffrey "Jeff" (Michelle) Ranken of MI; Tracy (Dennis) Sharp of Dixon; four grandchildren, Trenton (Marcela) Sproul, Benjamin Ranken, Samantha Ranken, Abigail Ranken; five great-grandchildren, Victoria Sproul, Madelynn Sproul, Caroline Sproul, Josephine Sproul, Gwendayln Sproul; brother, Gerald Ranken of Dixon; brother-in-law, Charles "Vic" Gipson of TX; foster daughter, Laura Warkins; foster grandson, Matthew Warkins; and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jack Eugene (Priscilla) Ranken; and one sister, Sandra Gipson.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Dixon Church of the Brethren, with Bishop Michael F. Cole, officiating. Burial will be to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon. There will be a Luncheon at the church afterward.

Memorials may be directed to Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL.

Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.