Esko Kalevi Rantanen

Esko Kalevi Rantanen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at his home in Gilbert, Arizona, on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Esko faced his 5 1/2-year battle against Glioblastoma with remarkable courage and grace, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. Born on March 11, 1967, in Hyvinkaa, Finland, Esko was the cherished son of Tauno Kalevi and Eila Esteri (Laine) Rantanen. Esko's parents, who predeceased him, instilled in him a love for life and learning that he carried with him throughout his journey. Esko's adventurous spirit led him to the United States as an exchange student in 1984-85, where he attended Seymour High School in Indiana. During his time there, Esko's passion for tennis shone brightly. He was a dominant #1 singles player and holds the school's record of 25-2 wins in a season. He also qualified fat #1 singles for the IHSAA State Boys Tennis Tournament, finishing up in the top 5. His skills on the court earned Esko a full tennis scholarship to Indiana Wesleyan University, where he played #1 & #2 singles and doubles and graduated with a B.S. in Business/Finance in May 1989. After graduating from University, Esko moved back to Finland and fulfilled the mandatory 11 months of service in the Finnish Army. He found his time in the Infantry to be an honor and he embraced the challenges and rigor of military life. Upon returning to civilian life, Esko embarked on a distinguished career with KONE Corporation, beginning in June 1990. For over three decades, he held various roles and worked in Finland, Belgium, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States, ultimately becoming the Director of Business Controlling for offices in Southeast Asia and the Americas. Esko was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed running, walking, cross-country skiing, and playing tennis. Esko was an avid follower of Formula 1 racing, music, audiobooks, and the BBC news, Wall Street Journal and Helsingin Sanomat kept him engaged with the world around him. Esko enjoyed smoking salmon on his Big Green Egg, sharing Dad jokes, Esko's easy-going nature and playful spirit were ever-present. Esko's heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 35 years, Erin Lynn (Culp) Rantanen, whom he married on August 25, 1990, in the Old Church in Hyvinkaa, Finland. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Susanna (Rantanen) Nickel, married to Tyne, and Rebekka Rantanen, who is cherished by her partner, Sam Tenuta. Esko was the proud "Girl Dad" who adored his daughters and was overjoyed to be a grandfather to Rowan Henrik Nickel. Esko is survived by his brother, Juha Rantanen and wife Eija; his sisters, Eeva Honkanen and husband Simo, and Hannele (Nanne) Rantanen and fiancé Ismo Peltoniemi; and his sister-in-laws, Dee Plumer and Bridget White. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nephews, nieces, and their children. Esko's love for Finland remained strong throughout his life, and he cherished opportunities to travel, always seeking new adventures and experiences. His passion for life and dedication to his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. As we celebrate Esko's life, we remember a man who embraced the world with open arms, who found joy in the everyday moments, and who left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His legacy lives on through the laughter he shared, the kindness he showed, and the love he gave unconditionally.