Rantanen

Sanfred R. Rantanen, 87, of Staunton, died at the Staunton Health and Rehab Center in Staunton on Jan. 7, 2024. He was born July 5, 1936 in Covington, Mich., the son to the late Arne Rantanen and Thelma (Orquist) Rantanen. Sanfred married his wife of 64 years, Mildred Nicholas of Staunton, on April 4, 1959 at Trinity Lutheran Church in East St. Louis, and she survives.

Sanfred served in the U.S. Air Force. He was an assemblyman at Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood, Mo. for many years. He enjoyed traveling, bowling, golf, playing cards, and playing the lottery. Sanfred would talk to anyone who would listen, mostly sharing stories of him growing up in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Marti Stieren; one brother, Donny Rantanen; and one brother-in-law, Fran Fenn. He is survived by two daughters, Angie (Dwayne) Heim of Staunton and Lisa Stieren of Glen Carbon; one son, Ray (Debbie) Rantanen of Bethalto; six grandchildren, Nick Heim, Annika Heim, Stewart Heim, Cami Stieren, Bradley Rantanen, and Ryan Balster; one sister, Sheila Fenn of Niantic, Conn .; one brother, Dale (Helen) Rantanen of Staunton; many nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. and Rev. Phil Girardin will be officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton. Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to either Zion Lutheran Church of Staunton or to Adopt-A-Pet of Benld. To order flowers or to leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.williamsonfh.com.