Helen Ann (Decker) Rantanen

Helen Ann Rantanen, 77, of Staunton, IL, passed away at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at her residence in Staunton, IL.  She was born February 9, 1949 in Pineville, KY, the daughter of the late Lester Thomas & Maxine (Helton) Decker.  She married Dale Rantanen on February 14, 1969 at the Church of God of Prophecy in Madison, IL & he survives.

Helen was employed as a Nurse for almost twenty years, serving in Litchfield, Staunton, & at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.  She was a member of the Bethalto Church of God of Bethalto, IL; a longtime Avon representative, & a past Den Mother for the Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts.  Helen also enjoyed hunting/picking Agate rock in the Upper Peninsula, camping, & she was always singing.

She is survived by her husband -  Dale Rantanen of Staunton, IL;  four sons -  Reginald Rantanen of White Hall, IL,  Mark (Angela) Rantanen of Bluffton, SC,  Daniel (Michelle) Rantanen of Staunton, IL,  &  Joshua (Missy) Rantanen of Staunton, IL;  eight grandchildren -  Carson (Alexa),  Drake,  Hunter,  Ethan,  Claire,  Isaac,  Presley,  &  Wolfgang;  two sisters -  Jane Holcomb  &  Connie (Jim) Larson;  one brother -  Joe (Jean) Decker;  a sister-in-law -  Betty Decker;  & numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins also survive.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother -  Ray Decker;  & a daughter-in-law -  Mary Rantanen.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 7 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, IL, with Pastor Jacob Skelton officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the Bethalto Church of God of Bethalto, IL.

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