Robert Rantala

Robert “Bob” John Rantala , age 76, of Grantsburg, WI, previously of Brule, WI, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at his residence. Bob was born on July 26, 1941 in Superior, WI, to parents, Audina (Johnson) and Eino Rantala. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Maple, WI, in 1959. In 1962, Bob went into the Peace Corps. and spent two years in Brazil. After his return home, he graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin in Superior, WI. On January 24, 1967, Bob married Velvet Ann Chantelois. Together they raised two children. Bob spent time working as a meat cutter in Maple, WI and later in insurance sales in Superior, WI, but his real love was logging. In 1973, Bob and Velvet moved to the Grantsburg area where Bob bought Fred and Edna McCann’s Pulpwood business, which he named, Grantsburg Timber Co. He owned and operated the business for 20 years. He hauled pulpwood to Nekoosa Edwards papermill in Nekoosa, WI, consolidated papers in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Potlatch in Cloquet, MN. Bob enjoyed tinkering on campers and remodeling them to his own specifications and traveling to Montana. Bob knew how to fix everything and if he couldn’t fix it, he would reinvent it. He was a wonderful provider for his family and loved spending his time with them. He will be deeply missed. Preceding Bob in death are his parents; brother-in-law, Walter Taipale; and nephew, Tom Taipale. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Velvet Rantala; children, Kenneth (T.J) Rantala and Nancy (Michael) Lemp; grandchildren: Thoren, Skylar and Piper; sister, Bernice Taipale; special friends, Scott, Becky and Katie Weiss; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 1:00pm (visitation from 12-1:00pm) at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Grantsburg, WI, with Pastor Jay Ticknor officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are: Scott Weiss, Kenny McCune, Benny Neubauer, Jerry Rand, Al Schroeder, Jim Evrard and Aaron Staeven. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Burnett County Humane Society, 7347 Midtown Rd, Siren, WI 54872. Arrangement have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com