On May 23, 2019, God took Nils Roger Ranum by the hand and walked with him peacefully into eternity.
Nils was born June 20, 1944 in Joplin, Missouri to Norman J. and Fairrie B. Rohrbach Ranum. He lived in Joplin his entire life and graduated from Joplin High School with the great class of 1962. He attended Joplin Junior College and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1969 with a degree in civil engineering. He then enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam during 1969-1970 with the 159th engineer group. In 1974, he graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a business degree.
He worked for Stewart Engineering and was the Jasper County surveyor from 1981-1984. He owned and operated Landstat Surveying Company, retiring in 2017.
Nils worked full time for the Missouri National Guard from 1986-1995, serving the last seven years as the executive officer of the 203rd Engineer Group. He retired in 1995 with the rank of Major. During his time with the 203rd, he travelled extensively, visiting Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama, building roads and school building projects.
He had been a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, chairman of building and grounds, personnel committee, Sunday school teacher and attended Tuesday morning men's Bible study group.
Most recently, Nils had been attending his childhood church, First United Methodist. He taught the Partakers Sunday School class and was on the 55+ Committee.
Nils is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jackie; a stepson, Jeff Copeland and wife, Paulette, Tulsa; a step granddaughter, Claire Copeland, Tulsa; two sisters, Suzanne Carter and husband, Wayne, Carthage, Jean Bennion, Salt Lake City, Utah; nephews, Peter Carter and wife, Debbie, Paul Carter and wife, Connie, John Carter and wife, Laura, all of Carthage, Nathan Ray, Grand Junction, Colorado; a niece, Mary Carter, Eureka Springs, Arkansas; great nephews, Lathe Carter and wife, Brittney, Landon Carter, Ryan Carter and wife, Haley, Kaden Carter, Josh Ray, Justin Ray; great niece, Kristina Carter; sisters-in-law, Leslie Sparlin and husband, Mike and their families, Kelly Benson and husband, Buddy ; and four great great nieces and nephews.
Services are planned for Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Rev. Marsha Eichler and Rev. John Oerter will officiate. Interment with full military honors will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, the 203rd National Guard Retiree Fund or to the Joplin Humane Society, all in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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