Donald Hilding Ranheim, Jr.

Donald Hilding Ranheim, Jr., 87, of East Hartford, passed away on September 24, 2018 at Hartford Hospital.  Born and raised in Hartford on May 7, 1931, he was a son of Swedish Immigrants, the late Donald H. Sr., and Mildred Mabel (Bengtson) Ranheim.  Donald was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, fondly serving two years in Japan during the Korean War.  After a long career as a Chief Draftsman and Sr. Design Engineer for Jacobs Manufacturing in Bloomfield, he retired in 2000.  Donald had several interests over the years which included high bar and rings, fencing, archery, and was an avid bowler and ping pong enthusiast. Donald was a self-taught guitarist, as music had been an important part of his life, whether at family gatherings or with his children.  Always guided by his faith, he was admired and loved as a man who lived his life with a strong and unwavering love for his family; never passing judgement on others, instead, setting the example by walking the walk. Most importantly, he will be remembered by his family as a quiet and humble man who performed many kind deeds for others, privately and auspiciously. He will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by his six daughters, Eileen Morales of Greensboro, NC,  Debbie and Paul Mientus of Colchester,  Pamela (Coleen Shawn) Ranheim of Plymouth, MA,  Leanne Ranheim of Colchester, Bettyann and Brad Lemire of Enfield, Tricia Scrivener of Norwich; his seventeen grandchildren who loved their ‘Funny Papa’, six great grandchildren, his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Elaine Ranheim of So. Glastonbury, along with numerous extended family and friends.  He was predeceased by a sister and brother in law, Dagmar and David Jacobson and his former wife and mother of his children, Patricia (Crook Ranheim) Stoddard.  Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 30th from 1 – 3 pm at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester.  A memorial service will follow at 3 pm at the funeral home with full military honors.  Burial will be private at the Zion Hill Cemetery in Hartford.  Donations in his memory may be made to the Oak Hill School for the Blind, 120 Holcomb St., Hartford, 06112.  For online condolences, please visit  www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

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