David M. Rankin, MD
October 23, 1936 – May 7, 2020
David Myren Rankin, MD, passed away in his home, surrounded by his wife and many children, on May 7, 2020, at age 83. He will be remembered not only as a doctor, but as a friend, an avid golfer, a voracious reader, a traveler, an amateur horticulturalist, and a faithful Catholic. Most of all, he was a much beloved husband, father of eight, and grandfather of 25.
Born October 23, 1936, to William and Anna Rankin of Chicago, Illinois, David was raised with his older brother William (Bill) in North Omaha. Dave attended Holy Name Church, Cathedral High School, and later, Creighton University and Creighton Medical School. It was during his medical training that he first met the woman who would become his wife, and who he always thought of as his nurse in the white cap, Mary Lynne Powers. The two were married on May 12, 1962, and soon after welcomed their first child, Patricia Lynne, and draft papers.
Dave was commissioned a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, and spent a year serving as a radiologist in Vietnam, with the 7th Mobile Surgical Hospital. While overseas, his second child, David Christopher was born. After his return, the family spent a short time at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas while Dave completed his military service.
After his return to Omaha, he joined Radiology Consultants, and began his civilian medical career in earnest. More children followed: Susan Marie, Paul Edward, John William, Thomas Joseph, Andrew Michael, and Theresa Ann.
Dave was happiest when busy, and he gave every role in his life — as a doctor, as a husband, and as a father — all of his energy. He worked to help bring CAT Scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology to Omaha. He turned a bare backyard into a tree-filled, flowering garden. He fished, and golfed. He took his wife and kids around the country, helped with homework, and taught them all how to waterski.
After his retirement from medicine, his focus was his wife, Mary Lynne, his children, and his growing number of grandchildren, who he adored. He enjoyed spending time with his friends from the medical world, as well as his former neighbors from Leawood Drive and St. Robert’s parish. If you knew him, you know how much he will be missed.
Dave is survived by his wife, Mary Lynne (Powers); children: Patricia Henrichsen (Steve) of Lincoln, NE; David Rankin (Amy) of Manhattan, KS; Susan Pepino (John) of Lincoln, NE; Paul Rankin (Sara) of Lincoln, NE; John Rankin (Heidi) of Omaha, NE; Thomas Rankin, MD, (Beth) of Omaha, NE; Andrew Rankin (Wendy) of Fort Collins, CO; and Theresa Rogers (Tim) of Carol Stream, IL; 25 grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Anna (Myren) Rankin of Omaha, NE, and his brother William Rankin (Gwen) of Omaha, NE.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Monday, May 11th from 4pm to 7pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by Family VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.
Family MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, May 12th, 10:30am, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church www.stroberts.com, Siena Francis House www.sienafrancis.org, or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service, go to our website and click the View Live Cast button on our homepage or click on link below, and to view a live broadcast of the Funeral Mass, visit www.stroberts.com.
Vigil Service Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/david-rankin-897131
17 Comments
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of Dave. He was a great friend and neighbor
So many memories of our awesome uncle! May God Bless you uncle David and your family ! Rest In Peace!
Condolences to you and your family.
Love and my prayers to all of you from Uncle George. Dave will be missed, but always remembered.
So sorry to hear about Dr. Rankin. I worked with him at Radiology Consultants. He was an amazing radiologist….smart, caring, compassionate and kind to his patients and coworkers and always with a great sense of humor. He was a roll model for all of us & will be missed by many.❤️
we started first grade together and graduated from Cathedral in 54 togather.
Mary Lynne, I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Thinking of you and your family.
I enjoyed working with Dave at St. Robert’s. He was just a great person to be with. So very sorry to hear of his passing. My deep sympathy to Mary and the family.
We live in the Rankin home in Leawood. Truly Dr. Rankin’s landscaping has been a source of wonder and beauty for us as we tend his beautiful gardens and trees. Since 2002, we have met the Rankins and others who have good memories of this home and the times when the Rankins lived here. . We would welcome family at anytime to revisit , or introduce a grandchild, to this home . Our condolences to Mrs. Rankin and all the family.
Susan, we all marveled over your note. It was wonderful to hear how you’ve enjoyed his garden and kept it going. We also joked about mom and all 8 kids showing up at your door that afternoon for a tour! Don’t be surprised if after the COVID lightens up, a few of us take you up on that offer. Thanks again. It was really kind of you to share.
With deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Sorry we are unable to attend the services, but we will be making a contribution to the Siena Francis House in your memory.
Pat & Geri McKenna
Prayers for the family.
Dave, Paul, and your extended families: You won’t remember, but I was at Creighton Prep during your time there, and had Paul in English class. I am sorry for the loss of your wonderful father, whom I was fortunate to meet along the way. I will remember him at Mass today, May 12, on his funeral day, asking God to welcome home a good and faithful servant, and to comfort all of you. -Fr. Jim Clifton, SJ
Fr. Clifton! Of course I remember you! You were one of my favorites at Prep, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your note, and remembering my Dad at Mass. Thank you!
I too, remember! Fr, Clifton, thanks a million! God bless!
I am so sorry to hear of the pain you must all be feeling, losing such a mensch, a pillar in your family , and for Mary Lynne a life long friend and support , but I know he leaves behind him much strength for you all.
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