Erlin Leroy “Sandy” Rank, age 79, of New Prague, died in Mankato, on Friday, October 16, 2026 after lengthy health issues. Sandy was born on March 14, 1947, in Windom, Minnesota, to Duane Erlin and Delia Martha (Baldwin) Rank. He attended Westbrook High School and graduated from Jordan High School in 1967. After high school, he entered the US Navy and served in the Vietnam War through 1968. Proud of his service, he belonged to both the American Legion and VFW in New Prague. Though he would have many jobs and would eventually have to retire on disability in 2013 as a result of Vietnam related injuries, perhaps Sandy’s favorite job was the many years he spent working for Gene Miller buying and selling vehicles. Attending auto auctions gave him purpose and fed the itch that his love of cars at an early age had started. As a young man, he could often be found racing figure 8’s at Raceway Park in Shakopee on Sunday nights; he truly enjoyed and thrived on the adrenaline rush this sport gave him!

Raceway Park took on even more significance, however, for it was there that a young woman working concessions caught his eye back in 1982! Debbie McGovern sparked the attraction that would see them married on August 13, 1988, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague. Sandy was naturally outgoing, able to strike up a conversation with whomever he met, creating lasting friendships. He loved to go camping, chasing a good storm and getting "lost" on road trips. He was a natural jokester but also a bit gullible and was caught over and over by others playing the same tricks on him! He was always the fun grandpa or uncle and loved to spoil not only his own, but all children he met! His sense of fun, his easygoing personality and engagement with others will be sorely missed.

Sandy is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debbie; children, Tracy(Joe) Spangler of Green Isle, Timothy Rank of Shakopee, James (Jess) McGovern of Randall, Molly (David Saunders) Wieland of New Prague; grandchildren, Jacob Spangler, Eloise Nohava, Hunter Rank, Aryia Spangler, Thomas Wieland, James McGovern, Jr., and Dallas, Easley and Tatum Saunders; siblings, Vickie (Al) Rezac, Val (Tom) Simek, Curt Rank, Jerry (Cindy) Rank; sister-in-law, Patty (Allen) Starkson; brother-in-law, Tim McGovern. He is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Terry and Peggy McGovern; brother-in-law, Michael McGovern.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1301 1st St. SE, New Prague, MN 56071 with the visitation for 2 hours prior beginning at 9:00 AM. Lunch will follow the service at church and burial will occur at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred. 

The family would like to thank St. Croix hospice for their caring support