Matt R. Lehtimaki, 87, of West Bend, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 31, 2014.
He was born on November 9, 1926 in Mass City, MI to the late Jalmer and Hilja (nee Martin) Lehtimaki. He was united in marriage to Mary Serrahn on July 10, 1954 in Ontonagon, MI.
Matt served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during WWII. He was employed at Perfex in Milwaukee for many years until retiring in the early 1980’s.
Matt was very proud of his Finish heritage and enjoyed three trips to visit Finland. He was a member of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church, West Bend, and was formerly a member of the Allenton Fohl Martin American Legion Post #483. He was also an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; four children, Karen Lehtimaki of Surprise, AZ, Sharon (Greg) Dukovan of Indio, CA, Jill (Al) Werner of Palm Desert, CA, and Joy (Jeff) Buchholz of West Bend; seven grandchildren, Marijane (Craig) Goebig, Jolene (Shane) Wadman, Nicholas (Mandy) Dukovan, Dana Dukovan, Dan (Amber) Phelps, Derek Phelps, and Melanie Buchholz; four great-grandchildren, Sierra Seal, David Wadman, Madison Phelps, and Matthew Phelps; three sisters, Vera Poss of Menomonee Falls, Eva Smith of Oconomowoc, and Thyra Kuhla of Sussex; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Elvie Lehtimaki, Anerva Maki, and Helmi Hoiska; and two brothers, Rieno Lehtimaki and Francis Lehtimaki.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 4 at 11:30 a.m. at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church, 462 Meadowbrook Dr., West Bend. Rev. Joseph Fisher and Rev. Christopher Raffa will officiate and entombment will follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorials to Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church or Cedar Community are appreciated.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Olafsson, Dr. Klausmeier, and the staff of Cedar Crossings and Silverbrook at Cedar Community for the wonderful care given to Matt.