Sept. 4, 1941 - Feb. 25, 2013

ELKHART - Donald E. Rank, 71, passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Don was born to Floyd and Helen (Webster) Rank on Sept. 4, 1941, in Kansas City, Kan.

He grew up in the Kansas City area and later attended the University of Missouri before joining the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1966, Don was married to Patricia Barnett in Lathrop, Mo. Together they had one son, Jeff.

Don enjoyed hunting, billiards and an occasional game of golf, but his favorite hobby was fishing. An avid tournament participant, he was widely recognized as one of the top fisherman in the area and participated in two world championships during his career. Don wore his USMC cap proudly when he was outdoors.

Professionally, Don worked in the RV industry for many years. In 1981 he founded Park Haven Inc. and grew it into one of the industry's leading park model manufacturers. Most recently, Don worked at Prime Time Manufacturing, a division of Forest River Inc.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Melanie Rank; four grandchildren, Brandon, Brady, Blake and Britney; a sister, Carole Sorenson of Osceola, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Pat Webster.

Friends are welcome to attend a visitation from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2013, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart.

Danielle Brinkman, Milwaukee, WI Jeff, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I moved away from Elkhart years ago and occasionally read the Elkhart Truth online. So today, that's where I read the article on your Dad and learned of your sad news. You have my heartfelt prayers from Milwaukee. I hope you and your family are doing well.

Gary Bussen, Edwardsburg, MI Pat,Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Don`s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lorraine Miles, Mishawaka, IN Don Rank, was a good Man!! He loved to fish and play the slots!!! Our relationship was an odd one for the last 16 years, but it was who we both were!!! Don would give me a hard time every time I seen him, even when he was in the hospital, still gave me a hard time. You will be missed by every one that knew you!!! Pat may God be with you, and your family at this time in need, The Angels have guided him to Heaven and lets all hold him dear to our hearts!

Gene Nicolini, Granger, IN Don was a great friend of mine for over 30 years. We fished in many tournaments together and had many wonderful times. If I had to write a book about Don I couldn't, tell you what would be the table of contents but I could tell you the title, and that would be One Very Good Person. G. Nick Nicolini

Greg Barsoda, Syracuse, IN Going through life, you make countless aquaintences, with most just fading into the blurr of everyday living. When I met Don 12 years ago, it was immediately clear that he would be someone whom I would remember the rest of my life. The mutual respect and complete honesty he shared with everyone around him put Don in a class to be envied. I wish to send my condolences to all of you, and will forever cherish the freindship I had with him. Greg Barsoda