Charles Ranfeld, 95, of Victor, died at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Victor United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Immanuel Methodist Cemetery south of Victor. A luncheon will follow at the Victor United Methodist Church.

His family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, July 6, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

Memorials may be designated to the Immanuel Methodist Cemetery Association or to an organization of the donor’s choice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Charles’ family online at www.smithfh.com.

As Chuck always said he was born “4th month, 3rd day, of 1931” to Archie and Addie (Huck) Ranfeld. He graduated from Guernsey High School in 1948 and went into the service as a tank/turret mechanic during the Korean Conflict. Charles married Ruth Schutterle of Norway, Iowa, on September 16, 1956. Charles always remarked, “It was the best decision I ever made”. They treasured 69 years, 9 months together.

He was a member of the Victor United Methodist Church, served on the Victor Cooperative Telephone Board for 42 years, and the Immanuel Cemetery Board for many years. Chuck’s hobbies were reenacting old-time threshing practices, reading for knowledge’s sake, restoring old tractors, and anything relating to the Lewis & Clark excursion. He loved attending the Old Threshers Reunion at Mt. Pleasant and traveling—especially to Yellowstone National Park to enjoy many mountain hikes while visiting daughter Sheryl.

Chuck planted and harvested his own crop at the age of 93 and enjoyed every moment as even when something broke down, not a bad word escaped his lips and he “played the hand he was dealt”. Many people asked Charles when he was going to retire, his answer, “And do what? I’m already doing what I love”.

Charles is survived by his wife, Ruth (Schutterle) Ranfeld, his four daughters, Sheryl Ranfeld (Dennis Grier), Kathryn Grier (Leon Burton), Janice (Justin) Doud, Marie (Rusty) Hedlund. Grandchildren Jake (Lindsey) Hedlund, Lene’ (Alex) Moore, Dynas Doud, and Drake Doud; and five great-grandchildren, Tori, Levi, Jaxon, Gabe and Tayden; his sister, Mabel (Delmar) McWilliams, sister-in-law Ruth Schutterle, and several nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, twin sisters Naomi and Neola, Esther (Kenn) Brannian, and brothers and sisters-in-law Melvin (JoAnn) Schutterle, Loyal (Millie) Schutterle.

Chuck had a very grateful heart and was thankful for the many who came to visit him at home over the past year. As his health failed, Charles received great care from the staff at BCE, Unity Point Hospice, and Maggie Zehr. Charles will be greatly missed by all who knew him.