Gary Glenn Ranzinger

March 28, 1936 – September 20, 2023

Gary Glenn Ranzinger went home to God and was reunited with his wife Irene on September 20, 2023, at age 87.

An avid athlete and sports enthusiast, Gary played high school football in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He later played for Marquette University. His love of sports was only exceeded by his love for his treasured wife of almost sixty-seven years, Irene Tury Ranzinger, and his love for their family.

Gary grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he met Irene Tury, his future wife, in the sixth grade. He graduated from Bay View High School in 1954 where he excelled in several sports. After marrying Irene in 1955, the couple raised their family in Wisconsin and Indiana before moving to Tallahassee, Florida in 1977. Their family enjoyed boating, waterskiing, and camping. The household was filled with music and laughter. Gary provided his time and talents to his adoring family throughout his life. He truly led through love and service, and always placed the needs of others before his own. His children’s friends often joked that they would like to be adopted into the Ranzinger family. Gary also loved golf, poker, and attending football games at Florida State University.

Gary worked for the majority of his life, starting at age 12, and sometimes worked two jobs at the same time. He entered the supermarket business at an early age and was quickly promoted. He eventually opened his own successful supermarkets in the Tallahassee area. Former employees often returned years later to thank him for his patience and kindness.

Gary was generous with his time and resources. He was past president of Kiwanis in Indiana, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club, and several church councils. After his presidential term ended at Lutheran Social Services, he was bestowed the honor of President Emeritus.

An active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Gary was a faithful Christian. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene and his parents and siblings. Gary is survived by his three children, Craig Ranzinger and his partner Donna, Tury Lewis and her husband David, and Cheryl Szypula and her husband Steve. Gary’s grandchildren were well loved and include Alex Ranzinger of Jacksonville, Florida; Matthew Ranzinger and his wife Nikki of Houston, Texas, James Lewis and his fiancée Lexi of Alexandria, Virginia, and Lindsey Szypula of Tallahassee, Florida. Finally, he was blessed to love his great grandson and great granddaughter, Augie Gary Ranzinger and Zoe Irene Ranzinger of Houston, Texas. Gary was deeply appreciative that Augie and Zoe’s middle names commemorate their great grandparents.

Gary will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. His service will be held on December 9, 2023, at 2:00 at Grace Lutheran Church located at 2919 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lutheran Social Services North Florida or Grace Lutheran Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tallahassee-cremation for the Ranzinger family.