Regina I. Froehlich Rankl

On January 4th, 2012, Regina I. Rankl left this earth to be with her true love and soul mate and to watch over her family from heaven after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. She was born September 17th, 1928 and raised in Mannheim, Germany. She studied music in Heidelberg, Germany and became an accomplished musician, mastering violin, piano, accordion and the organ.

She moved to Australia in 1948 where she became and remained an Australian citizen. She returned to Germany in 1956 where she stayed until her trip to America, arriving in New York on January 30, 1959. She was soon affiliated with many German-American organizations in New York.

She married Erich J. Rankl on September 17, 1960 whom she loved with all her heart, who she lost in 1976 to a brain tumor. He was the love of a all her life.

She was a music teacher at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal School in Ridgewood, Queens. She was amazingly talented and continued to teach piano to children and adults until 2011.

Although she had many jobs in her lifetime, none brought her more joy than teaching and sharing music. She also enjoyed being the accompanist for Damen und Männerchor in Fort Wayne for many years. Her love of music brought happiness to everyone that knew her. She continued her ability of composing and writing throughout her life.

Everyone treasured Regina. She was generous, kind, compassionate and a fantastic baker. Regina never seemed to meet a stranger. Her beautiful smile, rosy cheeks and quick witted attitude brought so much laughter to friends and family. She had a humble nature and that “spunk” that kept people smiling and continued to make life very entertaining. Among her many hobbies involving music, everyone knew she also loved Jägermeister and storytelling.

She was preceded in death by husband Erich on September 4, 1976, and brother Edger Fröhlich.

She is survived by her sister Christa, son Robert, daughter Karin (Martin), son Erich; her grandchildren Gabrielle, Richie, and Allie, and great-granddaughter Madalyn. She will be missed deeply by many and continue to be loved by all.