Wilbert “Bert” Ranta

Wilbert "Bert" Ranta, 93 of Virginia, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018 at Essentia Health Virginia. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Range Funeral Home in Virginia at 11:30 am with visitation one hour prior. Pastor John Dietz will officiate. There will be a luncheon following the service in the Range Funeral Home Fellowship Hall. Military Honors will be accorded by Gilbert VFW Post 4456. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.

Waino Wilbert Ranta was born January 28, 1925 in Eveleth to Waino Ranta and Hilma Pellinen. Bert was an Army Veteran, serving in WWII. On January 29, 1949, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hendrickson. He worked at Erie Mining Co. as a shovel operator.

Bert was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Order of the Moose-Aurora, Palo Volunteer Fire Department, the Knights of Kaleva, Range Co-Op Boards, and the Hendrickson Creek Hunting Shack.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, wood working, and gathering with family at the lake.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by:
Wife of 69 years, Dorothy
Daughters: Judy (Earl) Koste
Cindy (Clayton) Okstad
Debra (Duane) Takanen
Beth (Steve) Gornik
10 Grandchildren
16 Great Grandchildren
Sister: Thelma Heikkila
Sister-in-law: Nancy Kivilahti
Numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives in Finland

He was preceded in death by father, Waino; mother and stepfather, Hilma and Andrew Kivilahti; sister, Helen Dreshar; brothers, Elmer Ranta and Benhart Kivilahti; brother-in-law, Wilho Heikkila; and life long friend, Lauri Maki

02/10/2018 at 11:30
Range Funeral Homes, 16th Street North, Virginia, MN, USA

Visitation begins at 10:30

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