Ronald "Ron" Lee Crank, 79 of Rockford, IL, formerly from Fort Madison, IA and Niota, IL area, passed away at Medina Nursing Care Center in Durand, IL on Hospice on May 4th, 2026.

Ron was a skilled guitarist, starting at the young age of 12, playing in multiple local bands including the Sting Rays, The New Dawn, Full House Band, Fortune Brothers, Raunna and the Boys Out Back, to name a few, as well as subbing for many other local bands. He taught guitar lessons to area enthusiasts. Saying he loved music was an understatement. He lived and breathed music in everything he did. He was also a seasoned insurance salesman for many local insurance companies.

Ron enjoyed cooking, especially Mexican foods. He would say we were eating at "Cranks Restaurant" and never needed a dishwasher because "Why would I? I have six kids." He relished his jamming sessions with his band mates, friends and family, making homemade wine, watching movies, and spending time with his family. He loved his mother, Shirley, was best friends with his brother, Gary, and looked out for his baby sister Cindy. He was never at a loss for words, always late ~ running on "Crank" time, would get the devilish grin with a glint in his eye when you knew he was up to no good, and valued his dear, close friends to the bitter end.

He is survived by his brother Gary (Elaine) Crank, Boston MA, Cindy (Les) Bauman, West Burlington, IA, daughter's Heather Crank of Ferris, IL and Hillary (Rich) Sealock of Carthage, IL, son's Sean Crank, Davenport, IA, Ryan Crank, Chicago, IL, daughter, Kellie Crank, Colorado, and son, Robert (Miranda) Crank, Fort Madison, IA, 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren several nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Welsh, father, Robert Crank, Fiancé Jody Dunbar, nephew Dustin Bauman, and niece Carri (Care Bear) Nicole Seavers.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Croix Hospice and Noah's Ark Sanctuary, Inc. (animal rescue).

A celebration of life will be held at the South Side Boat Club, Keokuk, IA on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, from 1 to 3 PM. A small "Jam" session will be performed in honor of Ron, and past local musicians. Anybody that had played with Ron in the past are welcome and encouraged to join in on the jam session.