Ann Michelle Rantala

Ann Rantala, age 62 of Duluth, MN, died on June 14, 2023, at her DRCC Glendale home under hospice care.  Ann was born on July 28, 1960, in Duluth as the oldest of six daughters.  Parents are Raymond and Charlotte (Reiners) Rantala. During Ann’s early years she lived at the Baldwin Home, the pioneer group home focusing on residential living for persons of special needs.  Until her passing, Ann continued to live at various group homes under the umbrella of the Duluth Regional Care Center. Annie was blessed to be wholly supported and fully loved by her parents, sisters, as well as her extended DRCC family including dedicated and compassionate caregivers.

Ann was baptized as an infant into the Roman Catholic faith at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth.  Over the years, she would attend various church services and most recently the Latin Mass on Sundays at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church where she was welcomed into the ladies’ coffee circle.

As a young adult, Annie worked at the United Day Activity Center (UDAC) where she achieved high success at quickly and accurately assembling items. In the most recent years, Annie spent much of her work day with a job coach through CHOICE, unlimited granting Annie access to community involvement including:  volunteering, bowling, swimming, arts & crafts, dance, yoga, and bingo.  Music greatly fulfilled Annie as she heartily sang along whether in church, at a concert, in gatherings, riding in a car, or relaxing at home.

Ann is preceded in death by her father, Raymond, grandparents & godparents Lawrence and Florence Reiners, grandparents Vaino and Anna Rantala, and brother-in-law, Scott Reinhard.