The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-11-15
OTTO RANKE rs DEAD.
One OF Seattle's Best Citizens
Has Passed Away.
THE MESSAGE CAME SUDDENLY.


Otto Ranke, the weli-known contractor
and builder, died at his home on the cor
ner Of Madison and Tenth streets at 80
O'Clock this morning.
This news will come as shock to the
community Of which he was leading
and honored member. On election
day he was on the street, one of the most
active workers for home interests.
and on Thursday be was feeling quite well
until evening, when be was suddenly
taken ill and was obliged to go TO bed
This caused his friends some uneasiness,
but as his condition was not at all alarm
ing yesterday no immediate danger was
feared.
About year ago Mr. Ranke became az
flicted with terrible throat trouble. can
Ger or tumor having formed there. and he
was compelled 10 drop business and go to
Germany with all possible speed for treat
ment. The disease grew upon him 30
rapidly that IL vas with great difficulty that
he vas kept alive until his destination
could be reached Mrs. Ranke accom-
panied him and nursed him with loving
devotion until he Fl na,ly gained enough
strength TO stand an operation that, II
was hoped. would give him a. least
few more years to live. He returned
home about three months ago. He rear
ICED that be had b9tG short tine to live.
ut y as Cheerful in spirits. a. one who bad
set his house IN order and was prepared
for the summons, which came last night.
Yesterday evening Mr. Ranke's condi-
ton was such as to arouse the graves; APP
prehensions Of his family. and az
O'Clock he was taken with q violent
~
moned with ell possible speed and DR.. Z.
L. Smith and D.. Jenner were at his
bedside in few minutes. /: WAS
hoped that surgical operation might
save his life 1t was the only
chance and it was accepted. Mr. Ranke
died, however. before the operation could
be completed. Capt. and Mrs. D. & How
ard. intimate friends. and all the men,
bers of the family we're at his bedside at
the last moment. He was conscious to
the last
Otto Ranke was born in sPostok. Ger
many. about fifty years ago. His mother
is still living there at the age of 50
years, and a number of uncles and
cousins are there, and he visited
them last summer. He came to this coun-
try about thirty years ago. after hav-
ing learned his trade. He first set
tied in Chicago and followed his
trade there. He came TO this Coast
about twenty-five years ago and made his
home in Olympia number of years before
coming to Seattle. lie brought q fine rep
utation here, both as a citizen and as
man of business. and has always mann
tanned it
The business district of Seattle is filled
with monuments to Mr.. Ranke's memory
in the shape of the finest buildings the
city boasts. He erected the Pioneer,
First National bank, Yesler, Wash
ington, Union and many other hand
some structures. He always secured
the choicest contracts, and SO high did he
stand in the estimation Of business men
that they rarely required any bond from
him, knowing that he prided himself on
always doing an honest Job. He valued his
reputation for putting up good buildings
% dearly that he would not enter into
sharp competition where the contract
might be let at figures which would not
warrant good work, and the best contracts
he secured were given him without compe-
tition.
He himself put up one of the finest build.
Ings in the city. known as the Ranke
building, on the site of his old home at
Seventh and Pike streets. Two years ago he
erected one of the handsomest residences
the city can boast. at the corner of Madi-
son and Tenth streets. where he has since
lived.
Mr.. Ranke never sought political prefer
ment, in fact, rather avoided it. He was
repeatedly urged to run for mayor and to
take legislative nominations. but he stead-
lastly declined. A short time before he went
TO Europe he was appointed a member of
the park commission, position for which
he was peculiarly adapted and in which
he would have taken great interest had
his health permitted him to fill it.
Mr. Ranke was one Of the most genial
men living and no sooner made man 8
acquaintance than he won his esteem
and friendship. He was so universally
known that almost every man he met on
the street on his return home from Ger
many stopped to shake hands and well
come him back.
He leaves q wife. two daughters and
two sons, Miss Gretchen and Mss Mamie,
Alexander and Frederick.
No arrangements have yet been made
for the funeral.