Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Russell L. Rantapaa

FUNERAL HOME

Lead - Deadwood Memorial Chapel - Lead

80 Dunmire Dr.

Lead, South Dakota

Russell Rantapaa Obituary

DEADWOOD - Russell L. Rantapaa, 73, beloved husband, father and grandfather and lifelong resident of rural Deadwood, passed away at his home and made the transition from this life to the next on Saturday, March 22, 2008. He was born Russell Lee Rantapaa to parents Ernest and Doris (Eno) Rantapaa on December 29, 1934. He graduated from Lead High School in 1952. Russell served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. One June 11, 1955, he married Sharon L. Hall. Many favorite times together were spent raising Angus cattle on their ranch south of Deadwood. Russell was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting elk and deer. Russell enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. He rarely missed an event. His courage and perseverance through his struggle with cancer were an inspiration to all who knew him. Russell will be deeply missed by his entire family and his friends. Those thankful for having shared in his life are his wife, Sharon; sons Kurt (Jolene) Rantapaa, Deadwood, SD; Mark (Cassie) Rantapaa, Elko, NV; daughter Cleo (Jeff) Listman, Deadwood, SD; grandchildren Jason Rantapaa, Jessie Listman, Carly Listman, Jenna Rantapaa, Tassy Rantapaa, Jett Rantapaa, Stephenie Penner, Dylan Rantapaa and great grandchild, Sophie Rantapaa. He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Faith, his brother, Jack and his son Mike. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m.to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at the Lead-Deadwood Funeral Chapel in Lead, SD. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the Shepherd of the Hills Church in Lead, with the Reverends Tom Stenzel and George Kotti officiating. Burial will follow at the Mountain Meadow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Russell's memory may be made to Hospice of the Northern Hills. The Aldinger Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Spearfish has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.aldingerfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rapid City Journal on Mar. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Rantapaa

15 Entries

janice listman

April 4, 2008

Dear all of Russell's family
I've had the privilege of spending hours of fun with Russell and all of you and realized what a close family network you were. Russell was the driving force. how lucky you were.
my heart is with you, love janice
......"an the cowboy rides away".......

janice listman

April 4, 2008

Dear all of Russell's family
I've had the privage of spending hours of fun with Russell and all of you and realized what a close family network you were. Russell was the driving force. how lucky you were.
this is the second part of my message to this book love janice
......"an the cowboy rides away".......

janice listman

April 4, 2008

dear sharon, cleo, kurt and the rest of russell's family. i too have very fond memories of playing cards around the big table at your house during my visits to south dakota. i treasure the influence he was on my son jared so long ago. russell was the greatest !
I was so saddened when he got sick and hoped the he would be with us much longer. i will continue to pray for all of you at this time of sorrow. love to all janice

Carol Meyer

March 27, 2008

Dear Sharon and family,
I was so shocked to hear of Russ death. I was unaware of his fight with cancer since it has been 4 years (I believe) since I last stopped to visit you Sharon, while in South Dakota. I had just told a friend not a week ago that when we come to SD this summer I wanted to come see you. I know you will all miss him terribly, he was a very special person. Fun, kind, honest, and just an all around genuine person. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
All my love ~ Carol

Audrey Webster

March 27, 2008

Sharon and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We have fond memories of whenever our paths crossed. A great guy who will be missed by all who knew him.
John and Audrey Webster

Karen and Taylor Hickson

March 26, 2008

Dear Sharon, Kurt, Jolene, Jenna, Tassy, Jett and the entire Rantapaa family,
Our hearts cry for you during this tough time. Russell was a great man and you are very lucky to have had him in your lives. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Leo and Judie Gittings

March 25, 2008

Dear Sharon and family,

You are in our thoughts and have our deepest condolences. I have good menories of times with Russ (putting up hay that year with you folks, playing cribbage, our good visits and laughs, are among the many).

We all have our fond memories of Russ to live on with us, so he will never be forgotten.

Scott Moses

March 25, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the children and you. Thinking of
you.
Scott C. Moses

Erwin Wade

March 25, 2008

Dear Sharon & family,
May we extend our sincere condolences & sympathy. Russell was one in a million and a better friend than anyone could treasure. He maybe gone from this world, but he'll never be forgotten.
Love to all,

Rodney Strube

March 25, 2008

Kurt and family

I am sorry read in the paper about the passing of your father. I know what it is like to loose a loved one. The memories will always be there for all tme.

Bill Stone

March 25, 2008

Dear Sharon and the Family of Russell, You have my deepest sympathy in the loss your loving Husband, Father and Grandfather. His supportive Spirit will continue to be present at his grandchildrens events.
A friend and admirer, Bill Stone

Dan & Shanon Morrison & Family

March 25, 2008

Our prayers are with the entire Rantapaa family during this time, we will sure miss Russell's encouragement at all the basketball games. Know that he is no longer in pain but will always be with you.

Colleen Adams (McKee)

March 25, 2008

Russell helped so many- he will be greatly missed
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all

Jim Wagner

March 25, 2008

Dearest Sharon and Family,

The Wagner's of California express their deepest sympathy in the passing of your beloved Russell.

Russell, my dad (and Aunt Millie) are cousin's. Although I only visited a handful of times, I have excellent memories of visiting the Rantapaa family at Mountain Meadow. During a visit in 1976, I remember Russell walking into Doris's kitchen, I recall his cowboy boots, jeans and cowboy shirt, a welcoming smile, a friendly greeting and kindness. He was a very, very good man. My father worked at Mountain Meadow for Russells father when Russell was just a young boy (this was in the early 1940's) . Dad has fond memories of being with the Rantapaa family.

Sharon, Cleo, Mark and Kurt, you are in our prayers. My heart is heavy for you.

Your cousin,

Jim Wagner (Wilbur's son)
Anaheim, CA

bob erickson

March 25, 2008

I know everyone who knew russell will miss him dearly

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results