John Andrew Ranum
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
May 1960 - Aug 1961Military Dates
Aug 1959 - Aug 1965Society Membership
Founding FatherTomb Reflections
Founding Father of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown SoldierOutreach Coordinator
Obituary
John Andrew Ranum, age 86, of Great Falls, MT, passed away on March 13, 2023. On June 18, 1936, John was born in Starbuck, Minnesota, and baptized at Indeherred Lutheran Church. He grew up in Starbuck and attended Luther College. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on August 10, 1959, and on May 26, 1960, Specialist 4 Ranum became a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and served there for fourteen months. Thereafter, he worked in the farm machinery business settling in Montana. In Great Falls, John married Joyce, his beloved wife and perfect match, on April 14, 1984. John retired after 40 years to spend more time doing the things he loved including skiing, woodworking, crisscrossing the country with Joyce in their RV, and volunteering at the local hospital and with The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS), of which he was a Founding Father and Lifetime Member.
SHGTUS is a non-profit educational organization of current and former Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and like-minded citizens. Throughout the past 24 years John volunteered in many capacities within the SHGTUS and was the longest standing Outreach Coordinator for the Education Committee. In 2021 he was inducted into the Order of Saint Maurice during the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for his dedication to the continuing mission of the Society in educating America about the Sentinels that stand the eternal watch.
Always quick with a joke and a story, John made friends wherever he went, including with the attentive hospital staff who were so giving during his brief stay at Benefis Hospital. He treasured and was enriched by each of those friendships.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Agnes Ranum; sister, Julia Maso; and brothers, Harold, Ernest, Paul, Ralph, and David Ranum. He is survived by his wife of nearly 39 years, Joyce Ranum; sister, Alice Drake of Alexandria, Minnesota; sons, Steve (Sherri) Snow, Dave (Mario) Snow, and Jamie (Stacey) Snow; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many beloved Ranum and Paddock nieces and nephews.
Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Army Good Conduct MedalOrder of Saint Maurice (Civis)
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
