Mary Jo (Morgan) Rantanen

Mary Jo Rantanen, 43, of Staunton, Illinois, passed away at 12:05 PM on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at her residence in Staunton, Illinois.  She was born on June 7, 1975 in Litchfield, Illinois, daughter of Michael & Etta (Rogers) Morgan.  She attended St. Michael’s School & graduated from Staunton High School with the class of 1993.  She graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Broadcasting & Journalism in 1998.

She followed her dream & moved to New York City & began working at MTV.  She loved living in the big city.  She returned home & began working at KSDK in St. Louis in 2001.

On December 27, 2005, she married Joshua Rantanen on Eternity Beach in Hawaii.  They are the parents of two children, Presley Erin & Wolfgang Edward.

On September 13, 2013, Mary was diagnosed with Stage 4 Her2 Positive Breast Cancer & began her battle.  She began chemotherapy, radiation, & numerous surgeries.  On May 12, 2015 Mary was told the cancer had spread to her brain.  Throughout the fight, Mary remained positive & never complained.  She was determined to beat every challenge cancer sent her way.  With Guns N’ Roses playing in the background & bright red lipstick, Mary was a rock star in her battle.  She was a fighter.  Never once did she question “why me”?

She continued to work full-time as much as her health allowed at KSDK.  Her co-workers were family.  She may not have always enjoyed the job, but she loved the people. 

Besides her husband, parents, & children, she is survived by her sister, Teresa (Stephen) Struebig of Logan, Utah.  Mary is also survived by Joshua’s family:  Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law – Dale & Helen Rantanen; & Brothers-In-Law – Regi, Mark (Angela) & Danny (Michelle) Rantanen.  She is also survived by several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, & Nephews.

She was loved & preceded in death by her Grandparents – Peter & Mildred Rogers, Loretta Morgan, & Bud Morgan. 

Friends may call from 2 to 5 PM on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Net Community Church in Staunton.  Funeral services will be held at 5 PM on Saturday at the Net Community Church in Staunton.  Private burial will take place at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery – Staunton, Illinois. 

Memorial Donations are suggested to Mary’s children.  

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