Joseph M. Ranner

Joseph Maikis Ranner died on March 22nd, 2021 at Hospice of The Sacred Heart, Dunmore, PA.  He was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa Ranner, born May 22, 1938 in Passaic, NJ.  He is survived by his wife, the former Cheryl Leonard, his first wife Katherine Schuman, and his second wife the former Debra Kowalchik.

He is survived by his children Susan Hiller and husband Jeffrey of Honesdale, and Joseph Maikis Ranner Jr. and wife Donna of Honesdale.

Grandchildren; Sara Ann Hoey and husband Brian, Joseph J. Ranner, Eric Ranner and wife Julia, Emma Lee and fiancé Tyler Young, Zachary Ranner, and Katie Ranner, Kyle Hiller and wife Elena, Kristofer Hiller and wife Stephanie.  Great Grandchildren: Jillian, Brett, Arianna, E.J., and Holly Ranner, Aleksandra and Bentley Hiller.

Also surviving are his sister Janet Rutherford, nephew Albert Rutherford and wife Sue, and grand nieces, Brooke and Kassandra Rutherford.

He was predeceased by his third wife the former Carol Sykes in 2005.

Joe spent the first 12 years of his life in Saddlebrook, NJ where his father had a door-to-door milk business. In 1950 his parents decided to pick up stakes and buy a dairy farm in Girdland. Joe was involved with FFA and graduated from Honesdale High School. He joined the National Guard and was part of the 109^th Infantry. In 1969, the Ranners purchased the Fireside and ran it as a successful restaurant for many years. Joe had the gift of gab and had many customers who frequented the place really enjoyed his hospitality. In 1999 Joe went to work for Woodloch Pines where he continued his career as a bartender, something that he truly enjoyed until his retirement in 2019. Joe was a 32^nd degree Mason and a member of Honesdale Lodge No. 218 Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania and Shriner. In the late 1980’s he purchased his first Camaro and started to attend race events Watkins Glen, Pocono Raceway, Sebring, and other tracks where he learned much about the sport. As his interests peaked, he upgraded to a Corvette he joined a Corvette Club and became an instructor to share his knowledge and experience. He spent several years enjoying racing with his friends and on occasion he even convinced his daughter and grandchildren to ride along as well.

Arrangements made by Hessling Funeral Home, Inc..  Due to COVID 19 restrictions a graveside service will be held on Thursday March 25^th at 11:00am at East Dyberry Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children  3551 North Broad Street  Philadelphia, PA 19140