Edward Joseph Ranger

Edward Ranger

December 6, 1933 – June 12, 2025

Edward Ranger, a devoted husband, father, veteran, and lifelong learner, passed away on June 12, 2025, in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 91.

Born on December 6, 1933, in Sabin, Minnesota, Edward was the son of Theodore Ranger and Lavina Burnett. He spent his formative years in the Pacific Northwest, attending nine different high schools across Washington and Oregon before earning an associate degree from Ft. Steilacoom (Pierce) Community College in 1968.

Edward proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954 and continued his service in the Naval Reserves until 1959. Following his military service, he embarked on a diverse and dedicated career in civil service with the U.S. Government. He worked as a Telephone Communication Installer at Fort Lewis and held additional positions at the railroad, Boeing Company, and Bell Telephone.

He married the love of his life, Ottilie Welsch, on January 24, 1964, and together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and service. Edward was a long-time resident of Yelm, Washington (1972–2020), following earlier years in Lakewood. At potlucks, Edward was the guy sampling all the desserts.

Edward had a deep interest in current events. Edward had a passion for hobby farming, and he built 2 houses. He also had a love for travel, camping, fishing, clam digging, and road trips-especially when they included his children and grandchildren's sporting events. A story teller at heart, he relished sharing tales, enjoying Tillie's cooking, and welcoming those with disabilities, with warmth and inclusiveness.

He was a faithful member of St. Michael Parish in Yelm, the Men's Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the VFW of Yelm.

Edward will be remembered for his thriftiness, curiosity, honesty, and zest for life. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Ottilie Ranger; his children: Edward W. Ranger (Jennifer), Monica Ranger, Heidi Ranger-Geh (Rus),Barbara Ranger, his siblings; Patrick T. (Ted) Ranger, Bruce Ranger, and Cecilia Ranger, SNJM; three grandchildren; and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Dixie Lee Kolb and Lucia (Fisher) Laskey, and his granddaughter Fiona Ranger.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael Parish Church, 1055 Boundary St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, at 12:00 p.m. on July 2, 2025. A committal service with military honors will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 240th St SE, Kent, WA 98042, on July 3 at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to a "Plant a Tree" program in Edward's honor-an enduring tribute to a man who loved the earth, his country, and his family.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/EDWARDJOSEPHRANGER/a9f843