Richard B. Rantala

Richard B. Rantala, 71, longtime Oulu, WI resident, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN surrounded by his family. He was born on November 12, 1949, in Detroit, MI.

He graduated from South Shore High School in Port Wing, WI in 1967 and he attended UW-Stout Menomonie, WI. He served his country in the United States Army from 1970 - 1972.

On November 6, 1971, he married Amy Makela and they would have celebrated fifty years of marriage this year.

Richard was a carpenter, first employed by Riverside Builders. He then partnered with Glen Hill creating R & H Builders. In 1997, he partnered with his son, Scott to form Rantala Construction.

He was a longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church in Brule, WI.

He loved motorcycle and atv riding, horseshoes, hunting, ice fishing and traveling. He loved spending time in the sauna that he built. Being creative, he was always puttering on projects in his wood shop. Richard was always willing to help neighbors and relatives, and he especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by many!

Richard is survived by his wife, Amy; two sons, Scott (Laura) Rantala, Oulu, WI, and Michael Rantala, Superior, WI; grandson, Isaac Rantala, Oulu, WI; sister, Mary (Al) Gonzales, Port Lavaca, TX; sister-in-law, Judy (Bill) Ryder, Menomonie, WI and their families; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his, son Danny; his parents, Charles and Helmi (Kangas) Rantala; and his in-laws, Clarence and Arlene (Wiitala) Makela.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Brule, WI and continue until the 12:30 PM memorial service with Pastor Scott Stai officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the church by the Bong-Hofstedt American Legion Post #409 Honor Guard.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com .