Richard N. Laakaniemi, 80, of Cedar Grove and formerly of
Hales Corners went home to his heavenly Father on Sunday morning, May 27, 2018
at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice Center in Sheboygan Falls.
Dick was born on December 31, 1937 in Trimountain, Michigan,
the son of the late Edward and Aini (Wiiretjarvi) Laakaniemi. He was baptized
and confirmed in Trimountain and Stambaugh. Dick graduated from Iron River High
School in 1956 and went on to get his bachelor and master degrees from the
University of Michigan in Mechanical Engineering. Dick worked as a mechanical
engineer for Johnson Controls in Milwaukee for over 25 years and then for Erie
Mfg. in Milwaukee before his retirement in 2000. During his career Dick was
credited for developing 16 patents.
On September 3, 1960, Dick married Elaine Abrahamson in
Stambaugh, Michigan.
Dick was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in
Hales Corners where he had been an elder, congregation president, Sunday School
teacher, and member of many committees. Dick was also a member of the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), a Mechanical Engineering Honors Fraternity,
and a volunteer at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. He enjoyed
woodworking, photography, cars, and especially his 1952 Hudson Hornet, reading,
crossword puzzles, traveling, model cars, and spending time with his
grandchildren and their activities.
Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine of Cedar
Grove; four daughters, Elizabeth (John) Marita of Mequon, Julie Laakaniemi of
Eau Claire, Amy (Michael) Sippert of Oshkosh, and Jennifer Libby of Owatonna,
MN; ten grandchildren, Megan, John E., Andrew Marita, Zoe, Gunnard, Senja
Sippert, Jonah, Samuel, Isaiah, Moriah Noeldner; one brother, Dr. Raymond
(Karen) Laakaniemi of Orange County, CA; a sister-in-law, Lois (Dean) Goodman
of Iron River, MI; one niece, Debbi Goodman and two nephews, Allen (Lorene)
Goodman and Dr. Brian (Jennifer) Laakaniemi.
A victory service to celebrate Dick’s life will take place
at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Hales Corners on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 4 pm
with the Rev. Michael Eichstadt officiating.
Burial will take place at the Stambaugh Cemetery in Michigan.
Family and friends will gather at the Messiah Lutheran
Church in Hales Corners on Sunday from 2pm until the time of the service at 4
pm.
For online condolences and additional information please
visit
www.wenigfh.com
A memorial fund is being established in his memory for the Messiah
Lutheran Church or School, Sharon S.
Richardson Community Hospice Center, and the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in
Hartford.
The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg
(920-564-2771) is serving the Laakaniemi family.
