Shawn P. Rankinen Obituary

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Shawn P. Rankinen US Army Specialist.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Thought of you today on 911 Shawn gone but not forgotten!

To the family and friends of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen:
It has truly been my honor to sign Shawn's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Shawn will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

March 7, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen:
Always remembering Shawn. "Some gave all."

I Will Light A Candle For My Very Loving Brother And I Miss You Shawn And Always Will You Are My Hero Shawn

To the family of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.

To the family and friends of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen:
Please accept my remembrance of Shawn on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I am sorry I lost touch with you buddy. You always made me laugh. I won't forget the time we spent at HC-8. You made the time more bearable. Look down from heaven and know we remember you.

Shawn worked with us for about a year or so and was an absolute stand up guy! 3 years later we are still remembering Shawn. We will never forget!...... Andy Shea Linn Valley, K.S.

To the family and friends of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen:
Remembering Shawn on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Shawn,
Mike & I are devestated to find out that you lost your life in the line of duty! Mike is crushed! We love you so much!!!! You were always so much fun to be around remeber when we went to that party in Norfolk I had loads of fun with you!!! See you again someday little Brother. Love you bunches

To the family of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen:
Shawn gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,400 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

We never got to know Shawn, but he is possibly related to my husband, Marvin Rankinen. We live in Iron River, Michigan and Marvin was born in Republic, Michigan, son of Albert and Selma Rankinen. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace. It sounds like the world has lost a very special person. God bless your whole family

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Rankinen!

You are cordially invited to attend the “Celebration of Life” Event as we honor and recognize the lives of Our Community Members and Fallen Soldiers we have lost during 2006-2007.
The program includes, a DVD Pictorial Memorial Tribute, Music, Candle lighting, Balloon Release, and Refreshments. Each family receives a personalized ornament to place on a Christmas tree as a remembrance of their loved one.
Families who have experienced loss find this event a wonderful time of remembrance and healing. We would love your family to be apart of this event as our Community joins together to recognize and honor your loved one during this Holiday Season.
We will be honoring all the Fallen Soldiers that were assigned to Fort Hood Texas. If you are not able to attend and would like to send a favorite photo, please feel free to do so.
RSVP By Website www.col2007.com
Call Celebration of Life Staff at 254-245-7061

Shawn was such a wonderful guy. One of those genuine people that are few and far between. I always enjoyed the conversations we had, laughter was never lacking for sure. Shawn was just one of those people that left a sweet stain on my heart and I can honestly not recall a bitter word toward him. You will be so missed my friend. I respect your bravery to fight for what you thought was right and for our country...you were trying to keep us safe and I know you will be rewarded in heaven for that.
I pray that the Lord will give your family constant strength in life, I pray a hedge of protection around them and that the love of Jesus invades their hearts to cast out any sorrow. I will continue to keep them lifted up in prayer. I was blessed when your mom shared with me of your salvation, praise God!
Walking in the Son,

~SLOW DOWN~ (RIP SHAWN)


a death ends and a LIFE begins

a baby cry's and a old women DIES

we take for granted this gift we call TIME

we CAN'T chose how we die

but we CAN chose how we live

LOVE don't hate,

DO it! don't wait,

SLOW DOWN and look around.

take the time to APPRECIATE,

EVERYTHING even the things you hate.

i don't know why GOOD people have to die

but eventually we all have to say GOODBYE

Shawn you were my hero before you were a solider. Becoming a solider only made you more of a mentor. I will always rememeber you. I LOVE YOU.

Shawn You are always in my thoughts, My brother and I talk of the fun things about you that you left us to remember,You left me with wonderful memories and I am so glad that I got to know you in my life you were a great person and I will forever miss you-

I did not know you, but I understand what you fought for.

James Malone

formally
A-co 1/5 Cav 1CD
Ft. Hood, TX

I did not know Spc. Rankinen, but he shares a hometown with my nephew, Matthew Murchison, who was killed in action in August. When I visit the wall on my next visit, I'll be sure to touch Shawn's name and send up a prayer for you and your family.

Love,
Heidi Perry-Hipp
Proud Aunt
Spc. Matthew M. Murchison
KIA August 4, 2007
Baghdad

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Rankinen and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Freedom is not free it is paid for by our heros, think about next time you buy a ribbon....

Please accept our sympathy for your loss, and our prayers that God provide you peace and comfort. Your loved one will live on in the hearts of many American families, who recognize his honor and courage and who will be here to support your family with prayer. God Bless.

God bless the family and friends of Shawn.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Shawn for being such a brave hero.

(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our prayers and sympathy during this hard time. We know your pain. On January 22, 2007 we lost our son-in-law in Iraq. Spec. Nicholas Brown was in 2/7 Cav and loved being a soldier. He left behind a young wife and a newborn son. Tony Blair once said that two people have died for you, Jesus died for your soul and the American G.I. for your freedom. Thank you,

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

In the years to come children will be reading about our hero's in their History books. My condolences.
Very Respectfully,
Me

To the family of Shawn. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Shawn. He really was a great person. I actually knew him when he was in the Navy stationed in HC-8 in Norfolk. We did a deployment together on the USS Iwo Jima. I remember all the the funny things that he said and did. He made the deployment so much better. Just being next to him would make you laugh. He was all about trying to make people laugh. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to know such a great person. He will truly be missed. God Bless.

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Rankinen family in the loss of Shawn. I did not know Shawn, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Shawn you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Ok its my turn. It has been almost a month and I still have no clue what to do. I miss you more with every passing day. I never thought saying good bye was going to be so hard. You where honstly one of my best friends I have ever had and will ever have in life. It was so short of a life. The kids miss you and Little man is still have a hard time understanding why his Shawn Shawn is not coming home but how do you tell a three year old. He has your picture and takes it just about every where. I miss you so much and the love for you that I have is more than words can say.
I LOVE YOU MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY BUT NOT AS MUCH AS TOMMOROW. I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU.

I am an Episcopal priest at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, who just happened upon the Washington Post guestbook. Reading the entries from Shawn's friends and fellow soldiers has touched me deeply. Each life is precious to God, Who holds us all, forever. Like a pebble thrown into a pond, may the love that Shawn shared with you -- his family -- and his friends continue to spread outward touching others, for, indeed, that love is held in God's Love.

Your sadness is shared by us all,
Whitney Roberson +

Dear Mrs Rankinen and Family,

May I offer my deepest condolences to you all upon the passing of your American hero son and brother! Please know that others share in your loss and are concerned.
It is my prayer that God's strength, peace, and comfort be ever near you all during this difficult time.
May Shawn's legacy of bravery and devotion to our country and its safety be a source of pride and forever remembered by a grateful nation. His sacrifice on behalf of freedom is not unlike those Missouri patriots of yesteryear who gave their lives in such places as Cerro Gordo, Oak Hills, Iwo Jima, Chosin Reservoir, and Pleiku.
With deepest sympathy,

It's still hard knowing your no longer with us.
We will never forget your smiling face. We are all better people for knowing you! You will be missed.

SPC Shawn Rankinen, your passing has weighed my heart down. You were part of my platoon for a brief time prior to our shipping you over to Iraq. I remember you being very eager to join up with your unit. You had an easy demeaner and you always were ready to help out a buddy in need.

To SPC Raninen's family: I'm very very sorry for your loss. Shawn was a great guy and I enjoyed having him as one of my soldiers during his time with the 2-5 CAV Rear-D. He will be missed very much.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Betsy,Darrell & Family,
I just found out last night about Shawn. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry. Just a few weeks ago, I came across a picture of Shawn and Rodney. I gave it to Rodney for him to keep. If I can do anything at all, please let me know. I love you.

Betsy and Family,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Shawn's passing. I know your heart is broken but know that Lisa and I have you and your family in our hearts and prayers. Shawn was indeed a true American Hero.

Even though we didn't spend much time together after high school I will always treasure the friendship we had growing up. My fondest memories are when we were about 8 or 9 playing together when everything seemed so simple. You were a good friend and a wonderful person and will always be missed.

Shawn you are my best friend. I don't know how to say goodbye, I don't think it's something I'm ready to do just yet. I miss you terribly. I haven taken Betsy as my mother; Darrel, Charlie, and Kenny as my brothers. I will watch out for them all. You were family and your family is family. You always said you didn't think you had very many friends. You can see now into mine and the hearts of others to understand how truly loved you were by so many people. I will hold your memory tightly and close to my heart and my thoughts forever. I know you walk with me now, although I can't see you, and that gives me comfort. I cant waite till the day when I can see you again. No one else will ever be my Shawn. I love you

My name is Amanda, and I went to high school with Shawn. I lost touch with him soon after our junior year, and I will miss him dearly. He was such a kind and generous person, I just heard about his death yesterday, and did not get to attend his funeral. I will remember the good times we had, there were so many, I love you Shawn, I am so proud of the person you became, and I am so sorry I was not there for you like a true friend should have been. I will miss you, and always think of you.

Thank you Shawn so much for being such a great person, friend, and soldier. You mean so much to us. I am so honored that I knew you, and was able to enjoy your laughter. We had a get together last night, after your funeral with all our old high school buddies, you would have had so much fun. I miss you so much and wish I would have made more time to hang out with you. You were an awesome fun loving person and you will be in our hearts and memories forever. Love you man.

My deepest sympathies to family and friends. I knew Shawn briefly through my work at National American University when I was there and know he will be greatly missed as a kind and caring person.
Ted Collins, CEO
Ottawa University-Kansas City

As I pray for the servicemen and servicewomen who have given their lives for our country, I also pray for their families. May God wrap you in His arms during this time.

Dear Family of Shawn,

We want you to know that our family is praying for your comfort today and in the weeks to come. We are forever grateful for the sacrifice that was made by your son.

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."
II Thessalonians 3:16


The Bell Family

We thank you Spc. Shawn for your dedication in serving our country so that we might be free. May God give your family and friends peace and comfort today and always. You are my hero Shawn!

Heartfelt blessings to Shawns family and friends.
We were very blessed to know Shawn. He was a very kind and gentle man that would do anything for anyone if it was in his power. He is a true hero to us and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Spc Shwan P. Rankinen for standing brave and strong for our Country. My prayers for God's comfort to your family and loved ones will continue. We lost our son-in-law SSG Christopher R. Webb on March 7, 2007 also. Rest in God's peace and love Spc Rankinen.

We are very sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Nellie Edwards
Angela Brown

Thank you Shawn for making the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.
God Bless your family and get them through this difficult time.

To the Rankinen Family/Friends:
I didn't know Shawn, but just wanted to send my condolences to a fine young man who gave his life so we could be free. Please know that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

My sympathies,

Betsy, Our heartfelt sympathy go out to you & your family for Shawn. God bless you! My daughter was a friend of his, and as she recalled some really good memories last night we laughed even though we are greatly saddened we know he is in a much better place! We have some pictures of him we will bring by sometime to you.

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THIS IS JUST FROM AN INSIGNIFCANT PERSON WHO WOULD LIKE TO THANK A VERY YOUNG AND GENEROUS PERSON WHO SURRENDERED THEIR LIFE FOR MY WAY OF LIFE/

Thank you Shawn for being so brave and courageous and protecting our freedom as Americans. You and your family will be in my prayers.

I didn't know Shawn but saw his obituary and wanted to thank him for defending our country and fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy. I hope fond memories bring you peace during this sad time.

Shawn! Good memories forever. May the Creator bless you and guide you. May all the beauty be yours. Thank you.

Dear family & friends Of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen,
God Bless him he was a true true hero. My heartfelt condolences to you. Stay close to the Lord for that is where Shawn is. Please feel free to email me. Proud Gold Star mom Of LCpl. Leon B. Deraps KIA 5-6-06 Sandy Deraps [email protected]

It is with deep sadness that I am forced to honor the memory of another fallen Warrior. I ask the family and friends of SPC. Shawn P. Rankinen to accept the offer of my most sincere and heart felt condolences. I hope that you know that your loss is shared and mourned by a grateful America. Most of whom you have not met and in all probability will never meet. Our nation sincerely appreciates the sacrifices of your patriot.

Freedom is not free; it is paid for by our heroes!

I know the pain parents feel when they loose a child. I lost a son 19 years ago. It is a pain that defies description. It is a pain that never goes away. It is a pain that will never end. It is a pain that is all consuming. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless and keep you today, tomorrow and forever!

Rest in Peace Brave Warrior; you did your duty with great honor and dedication.

Semper Fidelis

I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Shawn. My prayers go out to all his friends and family. May he rest in peace.

Hey Rank,
We all miss you out here buddy. Your loss has effected us greatly. Even though you wern't with us a long time, we all still have many fond memories of you. Thanks for playing along in our "boom" test. You were a great sport in our practicle jokes. It's hard to loose someone like you with your "gung-ho" attitude. You were always such a positive reenforcement to the platoon. We miss you buddy and honor you greatly.

I am so sorry to hear about another fallen young man! I know there are no words that I can say to ease your pain! The only thing I can say is let faith keep you grounded in you life and hold on to your loved ones! This will help you through! This is what helps me get through my days, I too have lost my son only 6 weeks ago! God Bless Your Family!

Sincerely,
Vicki Melia
In Loving Memory of Lcpl. Anthony C. Melia USMC~ 1/27/2007

Honoring you Forever!

Spc. Rankinen,
I will never forget your sacrifice God Bless You! Rest In Peace!

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen,
The Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Shawn rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Rankinen family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

Hoping you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A Hero to all of us.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Rest in peace far away from the noise of war.You gave all you had and now take your place of honor.

GOD BLESS YOU TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOLD CLOSE TO YOUR HEART ALL THE MEMORIES, MAY THEY BRING YOU COMFORT