Fish Tugs of the Greatest Lake

RANGER

RANGER 233681 Built by Sturgeon Bay Boat Works in 1936, for Adolph Ruzek and William Westphal, Two Rivers, WI, the 40 ft. x 12 ft. vessel was equipped with a 30-36 Kahlenberg oil engine. Adolph Ruzek owned the boat until 1945. From 1945 to 48 Edward Pupeter, Two Rivers, was the owner.

From 1948 to 1952 Harold Zoeller, Washington Island, WI, had ownership. Lloyd Young, Wash. Isl. had the boat from 1952 to 1955, and John Young, Wash. Isl. from 1955 to 1962. Clifford Young, Wash. Island had ownership from 1962 to 1973. Charles "Buzz" McDonald, Kenosha, WI was owner from 1973 to 1977, in partnership with Bill Lindal of the same city. During this time, she was powered by a Continental diesel.

While in Waukegan, the Ranger sank at the dock due to a broken seacock. She was raised and continued to fish, eventually returning to Washington Island. James Kaus, Sturgeon Bay, WI is listed as the next owner.

Photo: RANGER entering Waukegan harbor; courtesy Steve Ceskowski