Ivan James "Ike" Rans

Ivan J. "Ike" Rans, age 90, of Huron, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Huron Regional Medical Center. View Ike's Memorial Folder
His memorial service was held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 16, at the American Lutheran Church, Huron. The service was live streamed.
His visitation, with the family present, was held from 5-7 PM, followed by a prayer service to begin at 7 PM on Thursday, August 15, at the Kuhler Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date.
Ivan "Ike" James Rans was born on January 31, 1934, to Evelena Larson Rans and Leo Rans in Woonsocket, South Dakota. Ike attended grade school in Woonsocket, Sunny Brook School in rural Huron, and Huron Senior High School. As a young boy, Ike became an adept mechanic. After school, he entered the work force at Rozum Ford Company where he worked for many years.
On June 14, 1952, Ike married his best friend and the love of his life, Irene Marilyn Gates at the American Lutheran Church in Huron.
While working as a mechanic, Ike bought his first Case IH tractor and began his pursuit of farming. Ike and Irene made their home in the Huron area where they welcomed their three children, Steve, Dennis, and Julie. Ike worked at International Harvester from 1954-1964 before opening Motor Clinic. Several years later, Ike opened Rans Repair which was independently owned and operated. Ike and Irene always dreamed of owning a farm and bought the "home quarter" in Theresa Township which became their home for the next 61 years. Over the years, Ike grew the farm with one purpose in mind, and that was to build a lasting legacy for the family he held dear. After many years of working on the farm alongside his wife, Irene, Ike retired from farming in 2000.
Family was everything to Ike and the farm became home to family and friends alike. Many traditions were born at the Rans Farm and will be carried on for generations to come. Ike looked forward to pheasant and deer hunting with his sons, grandsons, extended family and friends every fall where he enjoyed the countless hours of conversations and laughter.
Following retirement, Ike and Irene spent many years traveling in their motorhome and wintering in Texas where they enjoyed square dancing and playing dominoes and cards with their many friends. Irene said it best, "Life was an adventure with the man I loved."
Ike was a member of the American Lutheran Church and served on the Theresa Township Board for many years. Ike was quite the dancer, and he and Irene enjoyed many years dancing with the Belles and Beaus Square Dance Club.
Ike is survived by his wife of 72 years, Irene; their three children, Steve Rans (Carla), Dennis Rans (Vickie) and Julie Eichstadt; their seven grandchildren, Jason Rans, Katie Scheibe (Scott), Angela Rans (Martin); Tiffany Mostyn (Nick), Trevor Rans (Mandy), Ryan Eichstadt (Becky) and Jamie White (Spencer); their fourteen great-grandchildren, Karlie Valer, Chelsey Haibeck-Rans, Alissa and Mylie Byrd, Kairi, Zoey and Trisdon Mostyn, Ivan Rans, Ellie, Eastyn and Jake Eichstadt, and Hayden, Aspen and Archer White; their five great-great-grandchildren, Kennidee, Baylee, Jaxton, Oakley and Greyston; his siblings, Penny Eichstadt (Ron) and Gary Rans (Chris); his sisters-in-law, Betty Rans, Dee Forrest and Loretta Laabs (Dan); his brothers-in-law, Keith, Jim (Maureen), John (Sharon), Brent (Regina), Kevin (Colleen) and Michael Gates; many special nieces and nephews; many cousins; and one aunt, Alma Fielder (Carl).
Ike was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Rans (Leona) and Evelena Schmiedt (Herb); his siblings, Erwin Rans (Betty), Shirley Zell (Bill), Rolan and Doug Rans; his brothers-in-law, Vern, Clinton and Everett Gates; his sisters-in-law, Marion and Gloria Gates; and one beloved grandson, Trisdon Rans. View Ike's Floral Arrangements