Cheryl Rae Ranz, 65, of Crookston, MN, and formerly of Fertile, MN, died on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, surrounded by her family at her home. She was born November 6, 1945, to Walter and Elda (Wastweet) Ranz southwest of Fertile. She attended Fertile-Beltrami High School, graduating in 1963.
On June 29, 1963, Cheryl was united in marriage to Joseph Gaeta Varnes Lutheran Church, rural Fertile. They moved to Omaha, NE, until returning to Fertile in the late 1960's. In the spring of 1978, Cheryl and Joe built a home on land in the Sandhills. Cheryl began working at the Fertile-Beltrami School in 1969. Over the years, she developed loving and deep relationships with the staff and students. In 1989 thru 1992, Cheryl, along with Michelle, Jodi, and her in-law, Shelly, all attended Detroit Lakes Community and Technical College, Detroit Lakes, MN. Cheryl completed her LPN degree on March 10, 1992. She purchased a home in Crookston in 1996, though she spent a lot of time caring for her parents in Fertile. Cheryl retired in 2007, when her last grandson, Justin, graduated. Since graduating with her nursing degree, Cheryl has worked at Glenmore Recovery Center, being employed there until her health failed. Cheryl became a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, in June of 1989.
Cheryl lived a full and happy life, being surrounded by people and things she loved. Even though difficulties and obstacles to happiness entered her daily life, Cheryl had the ability to see beyond the trouble to the good that would come. She was more of a giver than a taker, always putting others first. Family time, especially birthdays and holidays, were times to celebrate and be together. The annual "Ranz Family Deer Hunt" was a pinnacle event that always made her smile. Cheryl was determined in spirit, yet could understand and forgive. She loved gardening, especially flowers. Most important to Cheryl was passing along family heritage, character and tradition to her daughters and grandchildren.
Cheryl is survived by Patti (Kevin) Lien, Fisher, MN; Michelle (Mark) Gunufson, Fertile; Jodi Gaeta, Crookston; seven grandchildren: Trista Gunufson, Andrea Lien, Jered Gunufson, Jordan Gunufson, Amanda Lien, Justin Nephew, and Austin Lien; one great-grandchild, Kirra Gunufson; one brother Rob (Shelly), Fertile; nephew, Jeremy (Sarah) Ranz (Isaac and Abby), and niece, Kimberly (Casey) Carlson, Erskine, MN; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cheryl Rae Ranz, 65, of Crookston, MN, and formerly of Fertile, MN, died on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, surrounded by her family at her home.
Funeral services will be on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 2:30 pm Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 6-8 pm with a prayer service at 7:30 pm at the Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.
Burial will be in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
Erikson-Vik Funeral Home
Fertile, MN

Pastor Carl Hansen, Officiating
Pastor Bruce Burslie
A close friend of Cheryl's.

Lucille Fuglseth, Organist
Congregational Hymns
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
"In The Garden"

Active Pallbearers
All Cheryl's Grandchildren
Nephew and Niece

Honorary Pallbearers
All Cheryl's Cousins