Michael M. Rankin

Michael, a citizen of Medina, Mn formerly of Red Wing, MN departed this life on August 9, 2025 due to a variety of illnesses. Michael began his life on August 18, 1939 in El Dorado, Arkansas, as the eldest son of the late L.D. and Estalee Beane Rankin, late of Mobile, Alabama. His childhood years were spent in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Utah and Illinois. He graduated high school in Washington, Mississippi. He later served an apprenticeship  as a machinist. Economic downturns of the '60's saw Michael selling personal lines of insurance, advertising  and homes. Shortly prior to being drafted into the Army, he enlisted in the Navy nuclear and submarine programs where he served for 8 years. Upon discharge, he enrolled  in The Citadel, the military college in South Carolina. In 1970, he accepted a position as Utilities and Maintenance Supervisor with the Mobay Chemical Company, Inc., in Charleston, South Carolina. The economics of the nation were again such that Michael entered and trained in the insurance and investments field. Various employments ultimately resulted in Michael retiring from Prairie Island Nuclear Generation Plant in 2002. He and his wife, Barbara J. Wheeler Rankin of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, remained in Red Wing after both retired, she from the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.

During his life in Red Wing, Michael engaged in several activities promoting the education and advancement of young people. Most notable of these was serving as Admissions Department counselor for the United States Naval Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

He and Barbara considered their children and philanthropic activities to be their joint legacy. Their children are CDR. James F. Rankin, USN of Anacortes, Washington and Amy R. Rankin Casuscelli of Minneapolis, MN.

Michael will have no funeral, burial nor memorial celebrating his life or death. In lieu of flowers, Michael asks that potential donors make a tax deductible cash donation to the Medical Services Program(s) at Minnesota College Southeast in Red Wing, MN.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael M. Rankin, please visit our floral store.