Word came to Manning Thursday morning July 25, that William Ranniger of Aspinwall had passed away during the night before. While the family and friends daily expected the end, still the sews of the death brought sadness of the entire community. He was one of the outstanding, highly beloved pioneer citizens who enjoyed the respect and esteem of the many people who had the pleasure of knowing him. Mr. Ranniger was kind and considerate and devout and a loving husband and father. His wise council was sought by many of his, neighbors, and he unselfishly spent his time in assisting those, in need in his large circle of friends. He was a hard worker in his younger years and his efforts were never marked with failure—but his life's work is done and he has gone to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

William Ranniger was born in Holsteniendorf, Holstein, Germany, May 4, 1853 and passed away at his home at Aspinwall on Wednesday, July 24, 1940, at the age of 87 years, 2 months and 20 days after an illness of eight weeks. The children living near were present at his bedside.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at an early age.

At the age of 17 he came to America, landing at Davenport. For two years he worked as a teamster and his first farm work was for Chris Grube, now deceased. He lived in Clinton County at that time.

In the fall of 1875 he was married to Thresa Wunder and to this union six children were born of which one daughter, Mrs. Wm. Nagel survives. His wife passed away in 1886. The following years he came to Carroll County and was married to Margaret Hinrichs. There he farmed for five years and bought his first farm a half, mile north of Aspinwall where he prospered.

In the vicinity north of Aspinwall, Mr. Ranniger became the owner of a number of farms of which he disposed of, selling them to his, children. He purchased then farm of 240 acres known as the Henry Goettsch place and also the William (Preacher) Martens farm and then bought a 160 acre farm of Jacob Ohde. He also owns two properties in Aspinwall.

In his younger days Mr. Ranniger took a great fancy to horses, and his hobby was to break and train young horses. He made the most gentle out of the most vicious broncos with very little trouble. Horses were his best friends in the animal world.

In 1928, he made a visiting trip to German in company with Mr. and Mrs. George P. Schelldorf and daughter Forence and Amanda and Anna Dau.

In 1920 they retired from farming and moved to his present home at Aspinwall where after three years his wife passed away since that time he has made his home either with one of his children or with caretakers in his home—Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Soll having been with him the past two years.

He leaves to mourn his passing six children: Emma, Mrs. William Nagel. Steele, N. Dak.; Louie, Manning; Anna, Mrs. Clyde Farrell, Carroll, .Ia.; Minnie, Mrs. August Gruhn, Manilla; Julius., Manning; Leona, Mrs. Louie Koester, Austin, Minn. He also leaves twenty grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday afternoon at two at the Ohde Funeral Home. Rev. Alexander Wimberly of the local Presbyterian, Church officiated and was assisted by a mixed quartette from the Presbyterian Church. Many friends and relatives of Mr. Ranniger were present to show their respect and esteem for him.

Pallbearers were Otto Brus, Wm. Soll, Rudolph Kuhl, Ferdinand Hell, Herman Ehrichs, Chas. Schroeder.