Bill Ranker, 85, died Feb. 16, 2016, at his residence in Great Bend. Born April 16, 1930, in Ellsworth, he was the son of Robert Von and Susan (Kalb) Ranker. On Nov. 23, 1951, he married Della Haase in Ellsworth. A resident of Great Bend since 1956, coming from McCook, Neb., he was employed for the TV station in Great Bend as Chief Engineer and Station Manager for 33 years.

Mr. Ranker served during the Korean War as a SSGT in the Marine Corps. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and American Legion Argonne Post 180, both of Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, Della Ranker, of the home; three sons, David Ranker and wife Ronda of Hays, Steve Ranker
of St. Louis, Mo., and Philip Ranker and wife Darcee of Solana Beach, Calif.; one brother, Kenneth Ranker of Topeka; four grandchildren, Matthew Ranker and wife Becca, Amy Brooks and husband Wyatt, Hayley Brenneis and husband Jason, and Lynsie Ranker; four great-grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Gracie, and Hope Ranker. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Richard Ranker; and two sisters, Maryellen Grimes and Dorothy Wilbur.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend with the Rev. Richard Munson officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of the funeral home.