Marvin M. Rankinen

Marvin M. Rankinen, age 84 of Iron River, MI, passed away, June 21, 2015 at his home. He was born October 11, 1930 in Republic, MI, the son of the late Albert and Selma (Jarvi) Rankinen. He attended the Republic and Stambaugh Schools, graduating from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1948. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Anchorage, Alaska. Marvin married the former Rose Bonel on May 19, 1951 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian, and the couple made their home in Stambaugh Township. They celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in 2001. He worked for M.A. Hanna Mining Company in the local mines and the Groveland for 27 years prior until their closure. He then worked for The Reliance Construction Company in De Pere, WI for nine years until his retirement in 1995. He was a staunch Democrat and Union member. Marvin was a member of the American Legion Reino Post #21 of Stambaugh. He loved to watch West Iron Sports, especially football and basketball and he volunteered on the “Chain Gang” for 30 plus years. He also loved to watch his grandchildren play sports, until he no longer could do so. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a loyal employee and a true friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Marvin’s wife of 64 years, Rose and his children survive him, daughter, Marlene (James) Kelly of Clermont, FL; sons, Wayne (Pam) Rankinen of Ishpeming, MI, and Glenn (Debra) Rankinen of Menominee, MI; sisters, Evelyn Salminen of Calumet, MI, Arlene Warlin of Republic, MI, and Nancy (Fred) Levi of Republic, MI; seven grandchildren, Erin (Philip) Stein, Michael Rankinen, Kasey (Dave) Hofer, Lee (Jocelyn) Rankinen, Jessie (Dan) Chernetski, Zack Rankinen, Katie Rankinen; three great grandchildren, Aidan Stein, Chloe Hofer, Charlotte Hofer; nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Reno, Lawrence, Clarence, James, Stanley, and Roger, and sisters, Helen Mattila, Delphine Evans Sugameli and Marilyn Olander. Visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2015 from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 with Rev. Dawn Treado Green to officiate. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the service. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marvin M. Rankinen, please visit our flower store.