MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Trucks from numerous power companies gathered in Marquette on Tuesday in a remarkable display of honor for Jack Rantanen, the 25 year old lineman who was struck and killed by a vehicle while working along M-553 on Monday, October 20. The incident is still under investigation.
Teams of workers from across the U.P. and beyond lifted American flags and road signs over North Third Street, forming a tunnel to make way for Rantanen’s funeral procession Tuesday afternoon at Canale Tonella Funeral Home.
The Marquette native graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 2018, before completing the lineman program at Northern Michigan University. He then worked as a Journeyman Lineman with the Hooper Corporation and was a member of the IBEW Local 876. Rantanen’s full obituary can be found here.
Third Street remained open throughout the day, allowing the public to view these efforts of support, but as a strong reminder to always drive with proper caution.
Companies involved included MBLP, Hooper Corporation, UPPCO, the City of Negaunee, Power & Pole Electric, Alger-Delta Cooperative, Iron Mountain MJ Electric, Kalkaska C.C. Power, Gladstone Power and Light, and Cloverland Electrical Cooperative.
