William A. ‘Winky’ Rantala

Winky was born on March 5, 1939, in Nisula, son of Wesley and Lydia (Kieranen) Rantala. He graduated from Baraga High School in 1957, and then went to machinist school at NMU.

Winky served in the U.S. Army from January 1959-61 during the Vietnam era, spending 13 months in Korea.

On November 24, 1962, he married the former Lillian Carlson in Nisula. They resided in Milwaukee where he worked as a machinist at Harley Davidson Motorcycle Co. In 1966 they moved to Detroit, where Winky worked construction until November of 1966 when they moved to L’Anse. In 1970, they moved to their current home in Alston. He worked in the logging industry until retirement.

He was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church and the VFW Post 7646 in Alston.

Winky enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, trapping, fishing, making his own fishing lures, golfing and bowling.

Winky is survived by his wife, Lillian of Alston; sons, Dean (Susan Rantala of Alston, Duane (Lori) Rantala of Ishpeming; sister-in-law, Janice Rantala of Ontonagon; three grandchildren, Amanda (Brandon) Finney of Midland, Christian of Marquette, and Carleigh of Ishpeming.

Preceding him in death are his parents and brother, Frederick Rantala.

Private family services will be held with Rev. John Ansell officiating.

Burial will be in the Nisula Cemetery with military rites by the Baraga County Area Veterans. The Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends may sign Winky’s guest book or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.