Edwin G. "Ed" Ranta, Jr., age 78, of Wellston, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024, at Holzer Medical Center in Jackson, Ohio.  He was born September 28, 1946 in Virginia, Minnesota, son of the late Edwin G. Ranta, Sr. and Lillian S. Byk Ranta.  Ed was a very proud veteran of the United States Army who served during the Vietnam War.  For serving his country, Ed was awarded the following decorations: Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and Marksman Rifle.  He was a lifetime member of the AmVets Post 84 in Jackson.  Ed retired from General Mills where he was employed for 36 years.  He was also the former co-owner along with his wife of Ranta's Resale, Greenhouse and Flower Shop in Wellston for 24 years.  Prior to that, Ed operated Treats on Wheels Ice Cream and was known by everyone as the Ice Cream Man.  Ed was a very hardworking man who never met a stranger.  He was a good storyteller and always enjoyed good conversations with others.  Ed's favorite pastime was going to the casino.  He also enjoyed sitting outside feeding and talking to the animals.  On December 29, 1991, Ed married the love of his life, Sherry Lou Jarvis Ranta, who survives.  Also surviving is son, Denver T. Carter, Jr. (Brittany) of Hamden; daughters, Beth Ellis (Matt) of Ellsworth, Iowa and Amanda Neis (Quinton) of Harris, Minnesota; grandchildren, Katrina Westra of Ellsworth, Iowa and Colton Neis of Harris, Minnesota; brother, James Ranta of Wautoma, Wisconsin; special nephew, Bobby Winters (Sheila) of Virginia, Minnesota; best friend, Bill Carter of Jackson; and his beloved dog, Taco.  Besides his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his siblings, Dona Johnson, Donald Ranta, Sandra Main, Nell Palokangas, Ray Ranta, and Judy Winters.  In keeping with Ed's request, there will be no services, and private burial will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.