Marianne Lucas Rantala passed away on Jan. 3, 2026, at Covenant Living nursing home in Golden Valley, Minnesota. She was 96. She lived her life with joy, humor, resilience and determination, and she will be deeply missed.
She was born in Hibbing, Minnesota, on July 29, 1929, the fourth of five children born to Earl and Mae Lucas. A lifelong resident of Hibbing, she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for most of her life.
Marianne loved to spend time with family and friends, especially at their cabin on Beatrice Lake where they would swim, boat, snowmobile, cross-country ski and skate. Determined to stay active throughout her life, even at age 96, Marianne kept exercise weights next to her chair.
She was an avid crafter and painter. She started each day by tackling the latest online word puzzles. She could tell a great joke and enjoyed happy hours with close friends. But her real passion was bridge, which she said was key to her long life and sharp mind. If you couldn't find Marianne at home, she was probably at a bridge game.
She was preceded in death by beloved husband of 40 years, Sandy; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffry and Susan Rantala; brothers, William, Don and Gary Lucas; sister, Frances (Shirley) Rebol; brother-in-law, Louis Rebol; sister-in-law, Delores Lucas; and longtime companion Don Draves.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Rantala; granddaughter, Daynelle (Luke) Haaven; great-grandchildren, Brynn and Blake Haaven; grandson, Kyle Rantala; sister-in-law, June Lucas; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
At Marianne's request, there will not be a memorial service. We will honor her by following the example she set: to keep a positive attitude, find humor every day, and share your love, time and talents with those around you.
She was born in Hibbing, Minnesota, on July 29, 1929, the fourth of five children born to Earl and Mae Lucas. A lifelong resident of Hibbing, she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for most of her life.
Marianne loved to spend time with family and friends, especially at their cabin on Beatrice Lake where they would swim, boat, snowmobile, cross-country ski and skate. Determined to stay active throughout her life, even at age 96, Marianne kept exercise weights next to her chair.
She was an avid crafter and painter. She started each day by tackling the latest online word puzzles. She could tell a great joke and enjoyed happy hours with close friends. But her real passion was bridge, which she said was key to her long life and sharp mind. If you couldn't find Marianne at home, she was probably at a bridge game.
She was preceded in death by beloved husband of 40 years, Sandy; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffry and Susan Rantala; brothers, William, Don and Gary Lucas; sister, Frances (Shirley) Rebol; brother-in-law, Louis Rebol; sister-in-law, Delores Lucas; and longtime companion Don Draves.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Rantala; granddaughter, Daynelle (Luke) Haaven; great-grandchildren, Brynn and Blake Haaven; grandson, Kyle Rantala; sister-in-law, June Lucas; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
At Marianne's request, there will not be a memorial service. We will honor her by following the example she set: to keep a positive attitude, find humor every day, and share your love, time and talents with those around you.
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