Martti V. Rantala

-- Finnish war veteran, longtime
Fitchburg resident

FITCHBURG -- Martti V Rantala, 91 of Ashby State Rd. Fitchburg MA, died Saturday March 20. He was born Aug. 26,1918, in Toholampi, Finland, the son of Juho Viljami and Josefina (Asiala) Rantala.

He served in the Finnish Army during World War ll. He immigrated to the United State in 1959 and settled in Fitchburg. A year later he sent for is family to join him in the States. Martti worked as a carpenter for the Seppala & Aho Construction Co. and built his own home and helped all of his children build their houses. He was an avid gardener, gave most of the harvest to family and friends.

He was the loving husband of Eini Rantala. He leaves three sons Jaakko Rantala of Fitchburg, Jorma Rantala and Juhani Rantala of Ashby, a daughter Marjatta Atherton of Ashby, a sister, Taimi Salo of Lake Worth FL, two grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

RANTALA -- A memorial service will be held Saturday March 27, at 10:30 A.M. in the Messiah Lutheran Church, 750 Ringe Rd. Fitchburg. Burial will be at the West Cemetery in Ashby following the memorial. Reception at the Church Memorial service donations may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church. The Curley-Marchand Funeral Home is directing the arrangements.