Marvin “Peewee” Jess Rankin II

Marvin “Peewee” Jess Rankin II, 53, passed on Aug. 25 from illness at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center with his loving family surrounding him.

A celebration of life in honor of Marvin is at 2 p.m., Sept. 1 at Alaska’s Little Susitna Campground, Mile 57.3, Parks Highway in Houston. Marvin’s family, friends and anyone who would like to pay their respects are encouraged to attend. A Last Call Out will be held at 2:30 p.m. presented by the Mat-Su Borough in honor of Marvin’s years of service. The family will privately scatter his ashes at a later date.

Marvin was born in Anchorage on Feb. 21, 1961, to his mother, Barbara Thaman and father, Marvin Jess Rankin. Throughout his life, Marvin lived in Alaska and Kansas, but always found his love of Alaska engaging. He raised his children in this beautiful state and presented them with his knowledge of the outdoor lifestyle.

Marvin was a well-known, avid fisherman, hunter and volunteer firefighter within his small community of Willow. He had a love of the outdoors that he shared with family and friends alike. Marvin thoroughly enjoyed helping his community throughout the years with everything from firefighting to EMT work and rescue. Over the past year he aided fellow neighbors with handy work and emergency house calls.

Marvin “Peewee” Rankin is survived by his mother, Barbara Thaman of Anchorage; his companion of 19 years, Joni Winder of Willow; brothers, Wyatt Rankin of Texas, Jesse Rankin of Texas and Ron Rankin of Michigan; sister, Annie Phillips of Wasilla; daughters, Elizabeth Clark of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Summer Aerni of Walla Walla, Washington; sons, Kenneth Clark III of Leoti, Kansas, Murphy Rankin of Houston, James Rankin of Big Lake, and Paul Rankin of Willow; as well as 27 grandchildren.

Memorial gifts in Marvin’s memory can be made to Mat-Valley Credit Union under his name or received by Joni Winder at the celebration of life.

Arrangements were by the Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. Please visit Marvin’s obituary and online guestbook at AlaskanFuneral.com.