John F. “Jack” Ranson, 84, of Long Grove, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Long Grove. Visitation was from 2 p.m. until the time of service. Burial was at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Donahue Volunteer Fire Department or Camp Courageous. Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, assisted the family with arrangements.
Jack was born on Feb. 24, 1942, in Davenport, the son of George and Veronica (Gillooly) Ranson. He graduated with the Class of 1960 from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in DeWitt. Following high school, Jack joined the U.S. Army and served until 1963. On Oct. 2, 1965, he married Carole L. Crane at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
Jack was known for his strong work ethic. In his early years, he developed a wide range of skills, working as a cement worker and diesel mechanic, and later ran the corn sheller at the Eldridge Co-op. In 1969, he and Carole began farming together, where they built a life centered around faith, family and hard work. Together, they raised five wonderful children and managed a hog operation for 32 years. At this time, they continued farming crops and raised a few black angus cattle until Jack retired in 2015. Jack always enjoyed spending quality time with his 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and supported all of their interests as a proud “Papa.” He also had a special fondness for his beloved, “Hank Dog,” who was a constant and loyal companion.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 60 years, Carole; his children, Wanda Radcliff of Durant, Debbie (Rex) Baetke of Eldridge, Peggy (Drew) Streit of Marion, Andy (Kim) Ranson of Long Grove, George (Jerri) Ranson of Iowa City; grandchildren, Ashley (Adason), Amber (Brandon), Allison, Anna, Cameron (Rhea), Zach, Grace, Nate, Austin, Kahlen, Emmalia; great-grandchildren, Ava, Alice, Nellie, Otto, Barlow, Rylee; and sisters, Sherril Ryan and Dolores Ranson, both of Eldridge.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, James Ranson and Mary Jo Ranson; and a brother-in-law, Richard Ryan.
Online condolences may be shared with Jack’s family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
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