John Eric Rantanen

The laughter has left our lives John Eric Rantanen 48, of Zion IL passed away after a lengthy illness on 11-5-15 at Vista East Hospital in Waukegan, IL. He was born on October 25 1967 in Waukegan, IL. He graduated from Grayslake Community High school in 1987. John worked as a heavy equipment operator and then decided to become an independent painter. He enjoyed camping, especially the campfires with family and friends sitting around. The Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, drawing/painting, writing poems and spending time with his family. He loved telling and trading jokes with people. His wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed. John met his wife Linda (Dieckman) Kee in Kenosha, WI and they were married in March of 2008. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Kenneth Casey. His Maternal Grandparents Jean Casey Nash, Raymond Nash and Carroll Casey. His Paternal Grandparents Hilkka and Frank Lampe. He leaves behind his grieving family, his wife Linda, who tried so hard to save him. His mother Connie (Casey) Hanna, his daughter Vanessa Rantanen and 3 beautiful grandchildren (Izaen, Zeven & Ava) of Russellville, AL. His father John V. Rantanen and his stepmother RoseMary from Pleasant Prairie, WI. His half brother Scott Rantanen, step brother Charles Mitchell, his step sisters Brenda and Sara Mitchell, his Stepson Richard Kee of Madison, WI. His stepdaughter Kelly and husband James, his step granddaughter Ariel Martin of Clearwater, FL. Mother and Father in law William and Janice Dieckman of Sun City, AZ. His Aunt Carolyn (Casey) Halvorsen Of Altoona, WI. His Uncle Leonard and Aunt Laura Casey of Zion, IL. Many cousins, nieces and nephews. Interment is private. A Memorial service and Luncheon will be held at the Zion Moose Lodge on November 14th at 2:00 pm, 41517 N. Sheridan Rd. Zion, IL. for close friends and family. Services will be officiated by Pastor Tim Knight. In lieu of flowers: perform an act of kindness for someone in need or consider the family, Many thanks and hugs are being sent to the ICU unit at Vista East (PCT Jen & RN Allan) and to the 5th floor PCT’ s who went above and beyond, RN Kathy Callison, and to Father Cuevas for your kindness and compassion.