Eileen E. Rantanen, 87, of Wausau, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Rennes

Health and Rehab Center in Weston, Wisconsin.

Eileen was born on May 12, 1935, in Kimball Township, Hurley, Wisconsin, the daughter of Louis Raymond and Tyyne (Maki) Kivi.

On February 25, 1952, Eileen married Harold Rantanen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eileen and Harold lived in numerous areas around the state, including DeForest, Waunakee, Germantown, Wausau, and Kimball.

Eileen was an avid gardener with extensive vegetable and flower gardens at her homes.

Eileen was passionate about community theater, sewing, fashion, and makeup.

In the 1970's, Eileen and Harold were active members of the Grant/Jefferson Stunt Night group, which put together regular variety shows sponsored by the Wausau Area PTA Council.

She was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Wausau and a long-term volunteer at Aspirus Hospital.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, on February 11, 1984; her parents, Louis

Raymond and Tyyne; her brother, Raymond (Donny), on March 25, 2018; and her son, Brian, on October 19, 2009.

Eileen is survived by three daughters, Lynn Cole of DePere and Julie (Bruce) Stieber and Kim Rantanen-Day, both of Wausau; and seven grandchildren, Chadwick, Aby (Chad), Jason, Erin, Krystina (Ross), Alexzandra (Jordan) and Cameron (Holly).

The family would like to thank Dean Day and Kim (Trempe) Rantanen for their assistance and support, the Rennes Health and Rehab Center staff, and the wonderful team at Aspirus Hospice.

Eileen will be laid to rest at a private memorial at the Hurley Cemetery.