Doris Jean Rank

Doris Jean Rank (Stender) 97, loving wife and mother, died on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Maple Grove, MN.

Doris was born at home on December 3, 1928, to Victor and Ethel Stender in Washington Lake Township, Sibley County, MN. She was united in Christian marriage with William Rank on February 23, 1951; they were blessed with 63 years of marriage.

She had a happy childhood growing up in Norwood/Young America and New Germany, MN, despite living through the Great Depression and World War II. She was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood/Young America, and all her life she was steadfast in this faith. She was actively involved in all the churches she attended (in Minneapolis; Spooner, Wis.; and Rogers, Minn.), and enjoyed many friendships at these churches. She was a loving mother raising four children and working part-time jobs. Doris started working full time in 1971 with the pulmonary physicians and staff at the University of Minnesota as a medical secretary, and enjoyed this work for 14 years.

She was an avid Minnesota Gophers sports fan, especially the football and basketball teams. She was also passionate about American politics. She loved being a grandmother and loved spending time with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, she made friends easily, worked hard and faithfully at whatever she did, and loved to laugh and have fun.

Doris was preceded in death by husband William Rank, parents Victor and Ethel Stender, grandson Nathan Handberg, and sister Donna. She is survived by children: Lynn (Martin) Handberg of Maple Grove, MN; Thomas (Sonja) Rank of Lake Mills, IA; David (Vivian) Rank of Corcoran, MN; Susan (Jerome) Gernander of Leander, TX; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; and sister Judith Ann (Marlin) Kohls.

Funeral Service 11 am Monday, April 13 at King of Grace Lutheran Church, 6000 Duluth Street in Golden Valley with visitation 1 hour prior to service. Graveside service 11 am Tuesday, April 14 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery (Meet at Assembly Area #4 at 10:45 am).