Ishpeming – Randy P. Rankinen, age 59, of 425 N. 7th St., Ishpeming, passed away at 2:04am on Thursday September 18, 2008 at the Marquette General Hospital.


Randy was born February 20, 1949 in Ishpeming the son of the late Stanley P. and Judith H. (Keskitalo) Rankinen. He was a graduate of the Republic High School, Class of 1967. Randy served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving the Army Commendation Medal, for Meritorious Achievement in the Republic of Vietnam. He had owned and operated the Econo Laundry in L'Anse for several years, where he had resided for over twenty years. Randy was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380, and the Ishpeming VFW, Post 4573.


Randy is survived by 3 children – Aaron (Kim) Rankinen of Appleton, WI, Jesse Rankinen of Phoenix, AZ and Renee Rankinen of L'Anse; 2 brothers – Todd Rankinen of Republic and Rory (Carol) Rankinen of Negaunee; a granddaughter Jenna Rae Rankinen, along with 2 nephews – Andrew and Jeffrey Rankinen. He was preceded in death by his parents.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:30am until 12:00 noon at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home where a memorial service will be held at 12:00noon on Saturday September 20, 2008 with the Rev. Katherine Finegan to officiate. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 will have a veteran's flag presentation following the service. Inurnment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.