Frederick J. Rankinen

Frederick J. Rankinen, 80, of Williamsport passed away surrounded by family Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.  Surviving is his loving wife of 56 years, Martha A. (Henthorn) Rankinen.

Born February 23, 1939, in Conneaut, Ohio, he was a son of the late William J. and Tiami G. (Kosala) Rankinen.

Fred graduated high school in 1957. After graduation he attended Ohio State University for a Bachelors degree in Civil engineering, and then Pennsylvania State University for his Master’s degree. Fred was a Civil Engineering professor at Pennsylvania College of Technology for 35 years until his retirement. He was a proud recipient of the Master Teachers Award from Penn College in 1992.

An avid outdoorsman, Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. He loved the water and could often be found on the Susquehanna River, Lake Erie, or cheering his son on during canoe races. He was a good husband and fun loving father who loved making jokes, teasing and having lighthearted fun. Fred was a member of Hippo Ridge hunting club; he enjoyed spending time with his high school friends and having a good cold adult Straub beverage.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Steven B. Rankinen, of Duboistown, Jeffrey L. Rankinen (Amy), of Oval, and Melissa A. Rankinen, of Cornelius, NC; two grandchildren, Jenna Rankinen and Jospeh Rankinen; two brothers Richard W. Rankinen, of South Williamsport and William J. Rankinen, of Ohio and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son Gary L. Rankinen.

A memorial service to honor the life of Fred will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Nippenose Bible Fellowship, 92 Schoolhouse Rd, Jersey Shore. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at church. Burial will be private.   

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Fred’s name to Pennsylvania College of Technology c/o Industrial Computing & Engineering Technologies Scholarship, One College Ave., Williamsport, PA 17701.

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