Luke David Rantanen

Luke David Rantanen

June 25, 1961 - September 25, 2025

Luke was larger than life in every way. His family meant the world to him, and he proved that in his fight to beat cancer right up until the end.

He loved being a Florida man, as a land surveyor he understood everything there was to know about where we live. He loved the turkeys in his yard, the snakes he kept for years, the cats he couldn't take care of but made sure went to good homes, and the koi he kept in his pond back in Fort Lauderdale. Most recently he enjoyed all the launches he got to see right outside his door living in Titusville. He took pictures and sent them to his loved ones, and even though technology was never his strong suit he made sure he had the launch schedule at his fingertips.

His kids, Amy Santangelo and Adam Rantanen, were his salvation in so many ways. His daughter took care of him whenever he needed her and even when he thought he didn't, and his son was always his listening ear, the one he commiserated with, the one who understood him best. In his final days he had both of them at his bedside, helping to continue to be his strength and his voice. His mother, Norma Jean Rantanen, was by far his biggest reason to live and fight. She was the one he called several times a day about all the little things. She was the one he wanted to get better for more than anyone. She was the one whose heart broke the most having to say goodbye to her son on Thursday, Sept. 25th, and her husband, Luke's dad Frank Rantanen, 52 years before. His siblings did their very best to include him and make sure he stayed social and involved in all things happening with the extended family. Susan Homic, his sister, came to his aid and helped him with all the things he hated most about getting better - paperwork and doctor's appointments. His brother Matthew Rantanen was his link to better times, they were the best of friends growing up and the stories they told could and should be in a novel.

There are many more to name - his niece Crystal who could've been his second daughter with how alike they were, his lifelong friends who were like brothers to him always being there to help fill the void of solitude, his brother John, his nieces Amanda and Khelsea, his nephews Joey and Johnny, his grandkids Mya, Addison, Chloe, and Abbigail, his in-law loved ones David, Mark, Amy, Chris, Amorette, Ken, and the list goes on. His family loved him and rallied around him the best they could, and he adored each and every one of them for their efforts.

Luke Rantanen will be missed - for filling the room with his smile and his stories, for making sure everyone around him felt loved and valued, for knowing who he was and making sure everyone else did as well - but mostly for being a phone call away. All of our phones will be way too quiet in the months and years to come as we grieve our loss. We love you, and will miss you.

Luke, tell your dad we say hello, and don't worry, we'll keep your memory going in all the ways you shared your life with us.