03/28/2022
Linda Joy (VanHemert) Rankin was born on February 20, 1938, in Pella, Iowa, the daughter of Cornelius “Neil” and Margaret (Risewick) Van Hemert. Linda grew up in Knoxville and during high school, was a cheerleader. Linda graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1957. After high school, Linda attended Business School in Des Moines.
Linda was united in marriage to William “Chick” Rankin on September 8, 1963, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. They were blessed with three daughters, Deb, Pam, and Lisa.
Linda worked at the Knoxville Water Department, Rankin Furniture, and West Ridge Nursing Home, and retired from the Marion County Care Facility. She enjoyed cooking, and baking, (especially cookies and pies). Linda also liked to travel and play pinochle. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and they will remember all the family get-togethers and Sunday dinners.
Linda was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville and was a longtime member of the P.E.O. and Beta Sigma Phi.
Linda’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Linda’s family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Deb Carruthers (Rankin) of Des Moines, Lisa (Kurt) Ciesielski of Altoona, and Pam Pearson of Knoxville; six grandchildren, Cody, Jaycob,
Robbie, Samantha, Tyler, and Kylie. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jude, and Arturo; one sister, Carolyn Kamerick; and many other family members and friends.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius “Neil” and Margaret Van Hemert; husband, William “Chick” Rankin; siblings, Neala Heggen, Brenda Beaver, Jim Van Hemert, and Mary Jane Dreibelbeis; grandson, Derrick Rankin; and son-in-law, Dan Pearson.