Richard "Dick" Rankin

Richard “Dick” L. Rankin, 81, of Grand Island, NE, formerly of Spalding, NE, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 9, 2026, as a result of a farm accident while working on the land he loved, near Spalding, NE

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2026 at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE. A Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Grand Island Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2425 S. Webb Road, Grand Island, NE 68801, with Mike Addy officiating.

Richard “Dick” Lee Rankin, son of George and Fern (Cunningham) Rankin, was born on August 19, 1944, at Spalding, NE. Dick attended Spalding Public Schools, graduating in 1962. He then attended UNL, Ag Campus for two years. It was there that Dick met the love of his life, Joan Laverty. They were united in marriage on June 27, 1964, in Valley, NE. The couple lived on various farms before settling on the farm south of Spalding where they lived for 53 years. In April of 2025, Dick and Joan moved to Grand Island, NE.

After an examination of the Scriptures, Dick chose to be baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on March 18th 1974. Dick was a lifelong farmer and was also very proud to be a sales representative for American Breeder Service. He loved his Red Angus cattle, stamp collecting, and his dogs. Dick also enjoyed volunteering at the Nebraska State Fair and traveled to 47 different states during his lifetime. He was an avid fan of all Husker sports teams.

Dick is survived by his wife: Joan Rankin of Grand Island, NE; four daughters: Heidi (David) Spencer of Council Bluffs, IA; Heather (William) Ristov of Grand Island, NE; Meggan (Martin) Funke of Lincoln, NE; Mary (Brant) Addy of West Point, NE; nine grandchildren: Caleb Andersen; Mackenzie Andersen; Brittany Rankin; Emmily (José) Monrroy; Devinn Funke; Kelcy (Derek) White; Andrew Funke; Arri (Anevol) Ristov; Anya (Will) Howell; six great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister-in-law: Lea Rankin of Spalding, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; brother: Gene Rankin; and two sisters: LaVon (Bill “Cactus”) Glesinger; and Janet Naughtin.