Joseph William Ranta, 70, of Ironwood, Michigan, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family, on August 30, 2019, after a long-term illness in Hamilton, Ohio.        Joe was the husband of the late Roberta “Bea” Ranta.       Joe retired from General Motors in Flint, Michigan in 2001 and returned to his hometown of Ironwood, Michigan.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and visiting with family and friends.       He was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie and Alfred Ranta; two brothers, Arthur (Liz) and Wesley (Vivian) Ranta; and two sisters, Pat Ranta and Marie (Gordon) Gurske.      He is survived by a son, Joseph (Adriana) Ranta of Mason, Michigan; a daughter Amy (Mike Melendrez) Ranta of West Chester, Ohio; two grandchildren, Connor and Chloey, who were the joys of his life; two sisters, Kathy (Marvin) Maki of Ironwood, Michigan and Margo (Ronald) Rantanen of Ishpeming, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.       The family will receive visitors from 5 – 7 pm at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral home in Ironwood on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, and from 10 am until noon on Thursday, September 5, 2019.  A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 5, 2019, at noon.       Interment will follow the service at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township, Michigan.       Memorial contributions are preferred to Hope Animal Shelter.          McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family.  For more information or to express online condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com .