March 5, 1922 — Jan. 20, 2016

George Rankel, 93, passed away Wednesday at Golden Living Center-Foutainview in Mishawaka. George was born to George and Barbara (Mangin) Rankel Sr. in Washington, Indiana.

George served in the U.S. Army as a corporal at Guadalcanal and was honorably discharged. He had been a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal service for 36 years before his retirement. He had lived in the Michiana area for more than 50 years. George loved to play Euchre and even throw the dice at the craps table once in awhile but his favorite thing was to spend time with his family. George enjoyed gardening especially his tomato plants.

When George’s boys were growing up he was a baseball leader and coach for the junior club. He was a member of the American Legion Post 308 in Osceola.

George is survived by his spouse of 15 years Margaret (True) Lewis Rankel, formerly of Niles, but was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Lou Rankel also surviving are sons James (Rhonda) and Richard (Patty) Rankel, stepsons Larry Lewis, Gary (Dawn) Lewis, Dale (Margaret) Lewis and step daughter Margaret (Kevin) Leazanby, 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, son Terry (Shannon) Rankel and all of his siblings.

A gathering of friends and family will be Jan. 25, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home 10776 McKinley Highway Osceola, Indiana 46561.

The funeral service with full military honors will be Jan. 26, 2016 at 10 a.m. with a one hour prior calling at the funeral home with Don Hales officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The families prefer that memorial contributions be made to Tanglewood Ministries c/o Barbara Hales 31745 US Highway 20 New Carlise Indiana. 46552. To sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence go to www.chapelhillmemorial.com