Roger John Ranta died on April 5, 2022.

RANTA—Roger John Ranta died on April 5, 2022.

He was born Sept. 17, 1936, in Duluth, Minn., to Martin Ranta and Helen Saari Ranta. He was one of five children.

He served in the Marine Corps as a Marine flight instructor and helicopter med-evac pilot with tours of duty across the world, including Okinawa and Vietnam, where he earned 14 Air Medals, the Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired as a USMC Major after 20 years of service.

During his adventurous life, he was a father to nine children, flew air tours across the Hawaiian islands, placed more than 200 international children into adoptive homes, primarily in Hawaii. While living in Florence, he sang in the church choir, performed in local musicals and plays, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, served as a Rotarian for 26 years and owned a tax preparation business with his wife, Judy.

He was a beloved member of the Florence community and will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest son, Roger Jr.; eldest daughter, Heidi Fillo; and his wife, Judy Ranta.

He is survived by his children: Timothy Ranta, James Ranta, Peter Ranta, Margaret Ranta, Helena Fitzgerald, Kecia Classen and Cougar Lind; 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, at the Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw in Florence. Any gifts given in his memory can be made to the Florence Habitat for Humanity or to the Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw memorial fund.