Obituary: Frank J. Rane, Sr.

MADISON - Frank J. Rane Sr. died on Sunday, March 25, 2007. He was born on Nov. 9, 1922, in Madison, the son of Joseph and Concetta (Bongiovanni) Rane. Frank was a lifelong resident of Madison, graduated from St. Joseph's Grade School, Madison Central High School, attended Madison Vocational School (MATC), and after leaving the Service he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army Air Force. He served with the 45th Air Depot Group and the Ninth Air Force Command stationed in England, France, Belgium and Germany during World War II. As a member of the 45th, his unit was awarded six commendations for meritorious service. After a short stint at the University of Wisconsin, together with his wife (Naomi), he owned and operated a grocery and liquor store in Madison's Southside where they enjoyed a very rewarding association with the neighborhood for 43 years. Some of his fondest memories were of the friends from that neighborhood that added purpose to his life. He owned and operated Arbor Liquors on the West Beltline Highway in 1966. He and his wife also owned and operated the Rane Barrel on Gilman Street, selling it in 1975. He maintained fond memories of the wonderful UW students that frequented this establishment. He served two terms as president of the Optimist Club of South Madison and five years as president of the Italian Workmen's Club. As a longtime member of the Italian Workmen's Club, he served on and chaired for many years the committee responsible for the annual celebration of Columbus Day. He served seven years as honorary chairman of the earlier (fifty-two) annual reunions of the 45th Air Depot group, which he faithfully attended to the last in 1999. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. No. 1318. He was also a life member of Madison Elk's Lodge No. 410, where he served as trustee as well as on the Social Quarters Committee, an important part of contributing to the success of Madison Elk's Lodge No. 410. Advancing through the chairs, he was elected as the exalted ruler for the 2004-2005 term. In 2005 he was again elected as the exalted ruler for the 2005-2006 term. In the 108 years that the Elks Lodge was chartered, he was the fourth member to have been asked to serve two terms. While a member of the Elk's, he was associated with the finest people with whom he was privileged to work and socialize. He served as co-chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee during the administration and at the request of Madison Mayor William Dyke. He was honored by his peers, members of the Italian Workmen's Club, as the Columbian of the Year in 1996. He, with his lifelong friend, Nick Stassi, was instrumental in having placed a marker on the corner of Regent and Park Street in memory of the "true heart" of the long-gone but not forgotten neighborhood known as the "Greenbush". Throughout his life he contributed to many worthy organizations when asked. He wants to be remembered for his sense of humor and his deep compassion and caring about people. His greatest desire was to promote harmony and understanding among people he cared about. He was extremely proud of his heritage. His only regret in dying was having to leave behind the wonderful friends and memories that made his life so enjoyable and worthwhile. He is survived by his loving wife, Naomi. Her love and devotion gave meaning and purpose to his life. Of all the women that he knew during his lifetime, she had no equal. He is further survived by his sons, Phillip (Nancy) Rane and Frank J. Rane Jr. (Bev) whom he truly loved and was extremely proud. He had a deep and abiding love for his grandchildren, Susan (Dr. Richard) Steinfeld, Stephanie (Richard) Chamberlain, Steven (Elizabeth) Rane, Christina (Mike) Derene, Andrea Rane and Thomas Rane; and great-grandchildren, Jacob (Jake) Steinfeld, Adam Steinfeld, Austin Derene, Taylor Derene, Mason Phillip Chamberlain and Jordan Cara Chamberlain. He is also survived by a brother, Anthony (Elizabeth) Rane of Abbeville, Ala.; and a special nephew, Joseph (Leona) Rane whose interest in his uncle was more of a son than a nephew. Many nieces, nephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews further survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sam (Frieda) Rane, James (Mary) Rane, John (Marilyn) Rane; nephew, Jon (Jack) Rane; and a sister, Mayme Rane Fuss of Madison. There will be a visitation at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road on Thursday, March 29, 2007, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., wherein a memorial service will be held at the funeral home by the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410 at 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway on Friday, March 30, 2007, at 11 a.m. with Father Brian J. Wilk officiating. There will be no procession to the gravesite. He requested no flowers, instead donations be made to the Italian Workmen's Club Scholarship Fund or to the Madison Elk's Lodge No. 410 Scholarship Fund. His family is grateful for the care provided by HospiceCare. He requested his body be cremated and interred in Sunset Memory Gardens. His fondest wish was that he be remembered by his family and friends as he lived. Epithat Here rests his head upon the lap of earth, A youth to fortune and to fame unknown: Fair science frowned not on his humble birth, And melancholy marked him for her own. Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere; Heaven did a recompense as largely send; He gave to mis'ry (all he had) a tear, He gained from heav'n ('twas all he wished) a friend, No farther seek his merits to disclose, Or draw his frailties from their abode, (There they alike in trembling hope repose), The bosom of his Father and his God. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 27, 2007