Mary Josepha (Rank) Van Ells, age 82, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2024. Mary was born near Monico in Oneida County, Wisconsin on December 23, 1941, the seventh of eight children born to Anton and Regina (Bolle) Rank.
After graduating from Three Lakes High School in 1960, Mary moved to Manitowoc. She married David J. Van Ells on May 12, 1962. In 1975, she and David went into the trophies and awards business together, founding Dama Enterprises in Manitowoc, later renamed Trophies by Dave. They sold the business and retired in 2022. Before starting the business, Mary worked clerical positions for Mirro and Aluminum Specialty Company.
When not working and building their business, Mary and David enjoyed traveling the world together. They cruised the Caribbean many times, and visited such far-away places as China, Germany, and Turkey. Mary also enjoyed gathering family at home, making sure the house was full of treats for the kids and grandkids, and decorating many trees for Christmas. She was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc.
Survivors include Mary’s husband of 61 years, David, Manitowoc; two sons, Mark (Paula), Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and Brian (Ginger), Manitowoc; daughter, Rae Anne Angel (Mitch), Manitowoc; six grandchildren, Annika Van Ells (Zachary Mitchell), Lydia Snyder, Nate Snyder, Sarah Van Ells, Noah Van Ells, and Leyah Van Ells; great grandson, Jack Mitchell; four siblings, Carol Hvizdak, Sr. Georgiana Rank, Patricia Pollack, and Anthony Rank, also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Regina Rank; and three siblings, Leander Rank, George Rank, and Helen Yordi.
Memorial services will be held at Noon on Friday, July 26, 2024 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel, and burial of Mary’s cremated remains will be held at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Immediately following the memorial service, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at Noon. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
