Paula Jean Rantanen
February 15, 1960 — January 3, 2017
Paula Jean Rantanen, age 56 of Baraga, MI passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at U P Health System Marquette, MI.
Paula was born February 15, 1960 in L’Anse, MI daughter to George and Betty (Barbano) Rantanen. She attended school in L’Anse and Baraga where she graduated High School and then attending Suomi College. In 1988 Paula began working as a bartender/cook at the Ojibwa Lanes. In 1993 she began as a security officer, then became a shift supervisor until 2007 when she became Security Manager at Ojibwa Casino until she retired in 2014. She also was an EMT and worked for Bay Ambulance for a year.
Paula was a member of KBIC. She enjoyed arts, crafts, sewing, baking Birthday cakes for her family, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Paula always wanted to continue learning by taking classes, reading, and going on the computer. Her desire was to improve herself and hoped to be a good example for her children to follow.
Surviving are her significant other John Jermac of L’Anse; children, Elizabeth (Martin) Curtis Jr. of Baraga, Teri (Chris Kelly) Loonsfoot of L’Anse, K.C. (Joe) Velmer of L’Anse, Eugene Rantanen of L’Anse; brothers Walter (Avis) Leinonen of L’Anse, David (Chris) Rantanen of Manistique; sisters Gladys (Gary Magnant) Rantanen of Baraga, Mary (Wayne) Kostamo of Pelkie; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; brothers, Randal “Boone” Rantanen, Gerald Kangas; and sister Marian Rantanen.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, January 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the Ojibwa Seniors in Baraga. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Paula’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com