Robert Earl Ranta

March 27, 1932 - December 8, 2023
Ranta, Robert Earl, age 91, passed away December 8, 2023. Bob was born near Calumet, Michigan to the late Eino & Catherine Ranta. When he was nine yrs. old, they moved to Detroit. He graduated from Redford High in 1949. That year he joined the Marines, and was sent to Korea the following year to serve his country in the war. In 1953 he married Mary Ann Scott, and together raised two children. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage. In retirement they spent summers in South Lyon, Michigan and winters in Sun City Center, Florida. Bob was a dedicated husband, taking care of Mary for many years until her passing in 2019. Bob was also an avid runner, swimmer & bicyclist competing in 92 marathons, countless triathlons, including the Ironman in Hawaii twice. The last marathon he completed was at age 88. Beginning at age 45, with the help of his 12 step friends, and by the grace of God, he achieved 46 years of sobriety by the time he reached the final finish line. Bob was an inspiration to many. He was a wonderful father & grandfather, having the virtues of generosity, kindness, patience and honesty. He was the embodiment of "Sisu", the well-known virtue of his Finnish ancestry. Loosely translated, it means fortitude & courageous perseverance through difficulties. Much loved, he will be greatly missed. Dear father of - Bruce (Lyn) Ranta & Sherry (Al) AuBuchon. Proud grandpa of Kelsey (Paul), Zachary (Joc), Matthew (Amy), Paul, John, Greg, Stephen (Chelsea), Daniel (Mary), & Michael; great grandpa of - Dominic, Julia, Theodore, Brendan, Thomas & Liam. Dear brother of Don Ranta. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, two grandchildren - Lisa & Joseph, and his sister, June Lempke. There will be two dates for funeral services. The first is Friday, January 5 at 10 am at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, 5481 Dixie Hwy., Waterford for a Memorial Mass only. The second date is Friday, January 12 at 10 am at Great Lakes National Cemetery, a committal with military honors. This will be followed by a memorial service at 12 pm at Crossroads Community Church, 28900 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon.