Duane Stephen Ranniger, who lived much of his life in Spokane Valley, Washington, passed away at age

88 on April 3, 2026. Born in Spokane on January 14, 1938, he was the youngest of four children of Edward and Seva Ranniger. Duane met Deanna Dolan during junior high, beginning a lifelong romance that blossomed into high school sweethearts. Athletic achievements marked his high school years—his talents earned him an athletic scholarship to WSU, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track as a freshman before focusing solely on basketball thereafter.

Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship during his first college semester, Duane returned home over break and wed Deanna on December 30. Before he graduated college with his bachelor’s degree in education he and Deanna welcomed their first two children, Karie and Kim. His teaching and coaching career began in Bridgeport, continued in Othello, and ultimately brought the family to Spokane. He taught and coached at Mead, then spent many years at West Vally as a teacher, counselor, and basketball coach, positively influencing countless students throughout his tenure. After three decades, he retired.

Duane and his brother Eddie operated D & J Surfacing, working summers plexipaving tennis courts and striping parking lots, often employing colleagues, former players, their own kids, and neighborhood youth. Friendship was central to Duane and Deanna's lives, whether tailgating Cougar games, traveling to the Montreal Olympics in 1976, or enjoying trips to Hawaii and abroad. Though he concluded his basketball coaching at WV, Duane continued mentoring his sons, grandchildren, and anyone seeking advice well into later years. He cherished his wife and family above all else.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Seva Ranniger, sisters Joan and Marline, and brother Ed. Duane is survived by his wife of 69 years, Deanna; children Karie (Tom) O'Brien, Kim Kindsvogel, Kris (Jim) Bjorklund, Steve (Angie) Ranniger, and Scott Ranniger; seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Duane's legacy is one of love, service, resilience, and most important his faith in God.

Services will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Otis Orchards, WA on Saturday, May 23rd . The Rosary begins at 10:30am followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00am. A light lunch will follow at the church. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Guardian Angel Homes staff for their care and support during his final years and to Hospice of Spokane.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Spokane.