Richard Laakaniemi

Richard N. LaakaniemiCedar Grove - 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.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.For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com Published in Sheboygan Press on May 31, 2018