Michael Ranum, age 76 of Rochester, Minn., formerly of Henning, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12th at Mayo Clinic.

Michael Wayne Ranum, son of Richard and Delores (Christopher) Ranum, was born July 25, 1946, in Valley City, N.D. Michael grew up and attended school in Valley City, and later attended Valley City State University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1969. Michael was raised on the family farm outside of Valley City, and he was Valley City’s first state wrestling champion and he played football for the Hi-Liners throughout his high school career. Michael was later honored for his state wrestling championship by being inducted into the Hi-Liner Hall of Fame at the Valley City high school.

Michael was married to Patricia Walters in 1965 and they had two daughters together, Michele and Kate. Michael was then united in marriage to Cheryl Gunderson in 1981 and lived in Dickinson, N.D., for a year before settling back in Henning. They had two daughters together, Jessica and Ellie. Michael spent two years teaching in Beloit, Wis., and then spent the rest of his career teaching secondary social studies in Henning and he retired in 2005 after 33 years. Michael spent his retirement years primarily on his hobby farm south of Henning.

Michael is survived by his current wife of 42 years, Cheryl, Rochester, Minn.; four daughters, Michele Ranum, Hastings, Minn., Kate (Joe) Wenc, Eden Prairie, Minn., Jessica (Jared) Prink, Zumbrota, Minn., and Ellie (Taylor) Piotter, Owatonna, Minn.; four grandchildren, Stefan Wenc, Isaac Wenc, Avery Prink, and Annabel Prink; his mother, Dee Ranum, Valley City, N.D.; two brothers, Bruce (Bonnie) Ranum, Valley City, N.D., and Charles (Wendy) Ranum, Milwaukee, Wis.; two sisters, Cyndi (Jim) Hansen, Sioux City, Iowa, Debbie (Tim) Van Haal, Oriska, N.D.; and many nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Richard Ranum, an infant

sister, and his grandparents.

There will be a private service with only close family members present held at a later date.