I was Jackie Strauch when my life light burned out on September 12, 2012. I was the wife of Dale Rantala, the kindest, caring man in the world, who kept me laughing every day we were together. Dale picked me up when I would fall, tenderly cared for me, especially during the last stages of my illness, and always kept a positive outlook. Dale helped run The Critter Ranch which was home to a wide variety of kids and animals. I loved 4-H and all that came with it, lots of laughs, Fairs, Rodeos, Horse Shows, rehabilitating sick and injured animals and teaching kids how to ride and farm. I loved every day of my career as a Conservation Officer and EMT. No two days were ever the same; life was never boring, always full of excitement, rescues, working with the public, teaching new recruits and youth about the outdoors.

I was proud to have many "Families", Sisters and Brothers from the DNR, SONCO, Law Enforcement, Critter Ranch 4-H, Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly and many other volunteer organizations. I loved to work and play in this awesome community of Ontonagon.

I was the sister of Jeanne (Greg) St. Amour, and Joni Jones, Sister-in-law of Deanna (David) Cassiere, Lynn (Bruce) Hackett and Sheryl (Tim) Givens, Daughter-in-law to Janice and Fred Rantala, and Daughter of Arlene and the late John Jones, and Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

At my request, there will be no funeral, and especially I ask no flowers be sent. I was fortunate to be able to attend by Skype, my benefit night, which I considered my memorial service and allowed me to say all the things to people that most only wish they could have said before time ran out.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my life. My motto was that Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, fiberglass cast on the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "Woo Hoo, what a ride!".

I hope you all receive the gifts of friends and family that I have had throughout my life. Take care of each other, love one another, be there to help when someone falls, and be kind to a stranger whenever you can.

Love you all Jackie Strauch Rantala