Anton's Family

My parents and sister

I have been very lucky to have grown up with a wonderful family. My parents gave me the gifts of a strong education and a love for books, as well as the opportunity to shape my life as I wanted. My sister was always very supportive as well. I'm still close to my parents; sadly, my sister died several years ago; but more on that a little later. Both of my parents were English teachers at one time, but no longer. My mother teaches piano in her home; my father works for Ver-Tech, a recycling equipment company. They have a nice web page to visit.

My wife

Last year I married Beth Whiteman, a friend whom I'd met (over the internet!) while in college. She's wonderful! I've put together a description of how we met; if you'd like to know more about her, you can visit her web page. She's taken my last name, and is now Beth Rang.

My ancestors

My mother's family was Mennonite (a Krehbiel and a Kaufman), and lived in central Kansas. They're very good about keeping in touch and supporting each other, and it's reflected in the Mennonite religion as well. I wish that more Christians from other sects would emulate them, quietly but firmly exercising their faith through their daily lives. Organized religion tends to leave me feeling cynical, but a visit to the Mennonites in that area restores my faith in man's potential for good. Mom's family is wonderful in their own right, coming together in crises and staying close through good times as well. I've got great aunts, uncles, and cousins, even if I'm not always as good about staying in touch myself as I should be!

My father's family grew up in northern Wisconsin, in what is primarily a logging and tourist area with some farmers still struggling to make a living. His parents worked hard to find a way for all of their children to stay in school and be able to go to college. There have been some tensions in the family through the years, but it's still nice to see my relatives there a few times a year.

My extended family

More about my sister

My sister, three years younger than me, suffered from depression through most of her high school years and into college. She was very bright, graduating near the top of her class. After leaving high school, she attended Emory University in Atlanta for a year, and then moved to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. After finishing her finals, and having done well in all of her classes, she went into her apartment, locked the door, and took all of her medications at once. She died before she was found.

Depression is a serious disease which affects millions of Americans, and doubtless tens of millions around the world. It can usually be treated with a combination of drugs and therapy. Sadly, this fatal disease sometimes takes the lives of our friends, family members, or loved ones. It's as hard to take as any death. And it can be hard to explain to others, who may not understand that depression is a disease, and suicide a result of that disease. Please, if you have friends who are depressed, do what you can for them. Help them seek treatment. You may save a life. True depression is not a joking matter; my sister died despite her treatment, but several friends of mine have lived through theirs, thanks to medical help.

I'd like to dedicate this page to Jocelyn, my sister.