Elna L. Rantala, 92, of E. Harju Rd., Maple, Wis., died Wed., Oct. 7, 2009 at her home.

She was born on Apr. 22, 1917 to Aina (Aho) and John Lammi in Maple. She attended the Maple Corner School, the Poplar School and in 1935 she graduated from Superior Central High School. She then attended Superior State Teachers College.

On Dec. 15, 1941 she was united in marriage to Edward W. Rantala in Carlton, Minn. In 2003 they celebrated 62 years of marriage until his death on Jan. 15, 2004.

Elna worked on the Camp Shelby, Miss. Army Base, while Ed was overseas during WWII. She also worked for the Excello Corp. in Detroit, Mich., the Co-op Bakery, and the Globe Shipyards in Superior, Wis.

After the war Elna and Ed settled in Maple and farmed. Ed became the postmaster in Maple and Elna was a substitute clerk. She also worked at the Brule Corp. in Iron River, Wis. Following Ed's retirement Elna became the postmaster of Maple for five years, retiring in 1979.

Her memberships included the Faith Lutheran Church, the National Assoc. of Postmasters, the Democratic Party, V. F. W., U. C. T., and the Old-Brule Heritage Society, Inc. When her daughters were young she and her husband were active in the Maple Corner P. T. A.

Elna loved discussing politics and was a lifelong Democrat.

She enjoyed reading, quilting, rug weaving and baking. She made the most delicious apple pie.

Ed and Elna loved to travel and had visited Australia, Finland, Russia, New Zealand, Europe, and many of the fifty states. She was very proud of her Finnish heritage and sisu.

Elna is lovingly remembered by her five daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret and Tony Albrecht of Amherst, Wis., Kathryn and Duane Esselstrom and Shirley and John Urbaniak all of Maple, Wis., and Nancy and Tom Wiisanen and Dorothy and Ron Schiff all of Poplar, Wis.; ten grandchildren, Jacob, Luther, Adrian, Jesse, Ryan, Kate, Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Mara; two great-grandchildren, Annika and Emmitt; a sister, Signe Welter; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother, Oliver Lammi.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Superior Dialysis Unit and St. Luke's Home Care for their care, concern and kindness shown Elna and her family.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the noon funeral service on Saturday at the Faith Lutheran Church in Maple with Pastor John Knierim officiating. The committal prayers will take place in the Faith Lutheran Cemetery.

Downs Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To sign the online guest book or send condolences, please go to www.downsfh.com.