Edgar Rannells

Edgar Allen Rannells was born March 15, 1917, in his maternal grandparents' home in Dunlap, Iowa, to Edgar and Della (Fox) Rannells. He grew up on his parents' farm outside of Dunlap with his three younger siblings. He attended country grade school, and graduated from Dunlap High School in 1935. He attended the University of Texas for one year, then returned to Dunlap to help on the family farm. In 1941, he was appointed a rural mail carrier. Edgar married Genevieve L. Fouts in her parents' home in Indianola, Iowa on August 23, 1941. He entered the Army later that fall and served for the duration of World War II, achieving the rank of Captain. He served in various postings in the States, training troops, until he was sent overseas in June of 1944.

In January of 1946, Edgar and Genevieve returned to Dunlap, after purchasing the home they still own from one of Edgar's aunts. He returned to his position as a rural mail carrier, which he held until his retirement in 1981. Edgar served on the Board of the Dunlap Public School, City Council, and he held various offices in the United Methodist Church. The couple enjoyed taking car trips all over the United States; their girls learned history by seeing the locations in which it occurred. They continued traveling well into their retirement years. Edgar was devoted to his family. He will be remembered for his beautiful flower garden, his unending patience, inquiring mind, ability to fix, repair or build virtually anything, a great sense of humor, but total inability to tell a joke.

Edgar died October 23, 2009, at the Missouri Valley Hospital at the age of 92 years, seven months, and eight days.

Edgar was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen and his brother, Paul. He is survived by his wife, Genevieve Rannells of Dunlap; daughter, Joan (Paul) Humphrey of Lincoln, NE; sisters, Dorothy Bridgford of Onawa, IA and Cecil Cifka of Denver, CO; two grandsons, Devin (Christine) Humphrey of Lincoln, Nathan (Shari) Humphrey of Kansas City, MO; two great grandchildren, Kaley and Colin Humphrey of Lincoln; nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and extended family.