Eleanore Rantanen

Eleanore Rantanen passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, where she resided at the time of her death, at the age of 92.
Eleanore Agnes Bukowski was born on November 6, 1932 at her farm home near Middle River in Marshall County. She grew up with her siblings, enjoying farm life, riding horses, tending the garden and animals and assisting with field work. She started her education in the country school located two miles from her home. After 8th grade she continued her education at the community school in Middle River and graduated in 1951.
Eleanore married Nilo Rantanen, a life-long family friend and neighbor, on October 27, 1953. She purchased her wedding dress for $30 at Bostwicks in Thief River Falls, using money she made from raising sheep. She also made and decorated her own wedding cake. To this union, five children were born. Nilo passed away in 1980.
Eleanore's early married life was consumed with raising children and running the household. She started working out of the home in 1969 at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls in the sewing department. In 1970 the plant moved to Karlstad, where she continued her employment. The plant closed in 1980 but reopened in Thief River Falls as Arctco and Eleanore continued working as a talented pattern designer until her retirement in 1995. She loved her work and her coworkers and made life-long friendships.
Sadly, Eleanore's farm home was destroyed by fire in 1991. She moved to a home in Middle River and in 2001 she settled at the Royal Manor. During this time she enjoyed many social activities and made numerous friends. Health issues ensued and she moved to Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls in November of 2021.
Eleanore was active in her beloved church, St. Joseph's Catholic church in Middle River. Her faith was a constant in her life and she found comfort and solace in her Catholicism. Other organizations that she happily enjoyed active membership included Ringbo Homemaker's Club, St Joseph's Ladies Guild, Middle River Community Club, Christian Women's group, and Middle River Senior Citizens. In addition, Eleanore was especially proud of her membership and service to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 444.
Eleanore was known for her many talents, sharing her beautiful crocheted afghans, doilies, Christmas ornaments, and other works with her family and friends. They are still cherished mementos for those that received them as gifts. Eleanore was also known for her beautiful cakes that she decorated for many family and social events. Her family members all agree that her rhubarb pies and sweet petal cinnamon rolls were the best anywhere.
Eleanore loved playing cards and was very competitive (and usually won!). She was also an avid reader and although she didn't purchase many toys for her children, preferring them to use their imaginations to create their own play, she rarely said no to the purchase of a book or even comic book if it meant her children were reading. She had an amazing sense of humor and loved a good laugh. She loved her family dearly, cherished her many friendships and was known for her amazing hugs. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were her pride and joy and could always put that sparkle in her eye and a smile on her beautiful face. Eleanore never missed any of her children or grandchildren's school and community activities and events and provided a constant audience for the "shows" her two youngest granddaughters frequently put on for her at her home.
Rest in heaven Eleanore, you will be dearly missed.
Eleanore is survived by daughters, Ann (Dale) Rantanen-Lee, Blaine, MN, Marg (Gary) Toren, Alvarado, MN, Paula (Jean) Vandale, New Braunfels, TX; sons, Dan (Becky) Rantanen, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Rik Rantanen, Warroad, MN; grandchildren, Danielle (Mark) Harms, Jake (Lora) Rantanen, Molly (Mark) Rantanen Rustad, Alison Toren, Marisa (Carson) Quesnell, Nick Rantanen; and great-grandchildren, Riley, Mason (Marissa), Addy, Keegan, Reese, Kendal, Lucas, and Nickson; and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Nilo Rantanen; parents, Bruno & Clara Bukowski; sisters, Irene Bukowski and Christine (John) Black; brothers, Joe Bukowski, Hank (Jeanette) Bukowski, and Aloysie Bukowski.
Visitation will start at 9:30 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Middle River, MN with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Middle River, MN with Father George Noel Officiating. Burial will be held in the Finnish Cemetery at Middle River, MN.
Memorials are suggested to American Legion Auxiliary Post 444, St Joseph's Ladies Guild, and Middle River Finnish Cemetery.