Biesterfeld Family

Motorcyclist killed in collision with deer May 26, 2009 12:00 am FOREST CITY — Todd O. Ranes, 48, of Lake Mills died Saturday when his motorcycle struck a deer three miles north of Forest City on Highway 69. The accident happened around 9:40 p.m., according to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. Ranes is survived by a wife and son and other family members. His obituary is printed on Page A10 today. The Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene of the accident by Forest City Ambulance, the Forest City Fire Department, Mercy AirLife and the Iowa State Patrol.

Todd O. Ranes (May 11, 1961 - May 23, 2009) Todd O. Ranes, age 48, of Lake Mills, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, as the result of a motorcycle accident north of Forest City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Pastor David E. Jordon officiating. Burial will take place at Salem Memorial Cemetery, rural Lake Mills. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street in Lake Mills and will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Todd Odean Ranes was born on May 11, 1961, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, the son of Odean and Beverly (Yost) Ranes. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bricelyn Lutheran Church in Bricelyn, Minnesota, and graduated from Bricelyn High School in 1979. Following his graduation, Todd attended technical school in Jackson, Minnesota, obtaining training in telecommunications. On April 13, 1985, Todd was united in marriage with Diane Knudtson at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. The couple was blessed with a son, Anthony. The family made their home within Lake Mills from 1985-1998, after which they moved north of town to their present home. Todd had been employed by WCTA in Lake Mills since 1980 where he was a repairman and installer, and made many lasting friendships. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed watching his son, Tony, at the races in Mason City and Fairmont. Todd liked to spend time most of his time outdoors, hunting for everything from game such as pheasant, turkey, elk, and deer, to an occasional lost golf ball at Rice Lake with his buddies. Todd was also a member of the Wednesday night pool league playing for Gene’s Place. Todd had a warm and wonderful personality, always wore a smile, and was willing to help out a friend whenever asked. Survivors include his wife, Diane of Lake Mills; son, Anthony “Tony” Ranes and his friend Stacy Monsen of Hanlontown, IA; parents, Odean and Beverly Ranes of Walters, MN; a brother, Tim (Lori) Ranes of Forest City, IA; sister, Tammy (Brenan) Bauman of Walters, MN; and nieces and nephews, Krystal and Zachary Ranes of Forest City, and Kyle and Tara Bauman of Walters, MN. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Evelyn Knudtson of Lake Mills; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dorthy and Tim Neubauer of Clear Lake, IA, David and GayJean Knudtson of Forest City, IA, Don and Nancy Knudtson of Lake Mills, IA, and Doug and Melissa Knudtson of Worthington, MN; and many nieces and nephews in the Knudtson family, as well as a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ole and Selma Ranes, Arthur and Myrtice Yost; father-in-law, Victor Knudtson; and a nephew, Thomas Knudtson.