Charles A. Altonen Posted 4 hours ago ASHTABULA — Charles Alan Altonen (Aaltonen), age 77, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center after lengthy illnesses. Son of Kaarlo and Gertrude Altonen, he was born June 1, 1937, in Ashtabula, Ohio. He graduated from Harbor High School in 1955; Suomi College (now known as Finlandia University) in 1958; and Northern Michigan University in 1960, with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and English. Chuck attended the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago; attended Triton College in River Grove, Ill., where he studied architecture and journalism; and attended Concordia University at River Forest, Ill., where he studied graphic arts and painting. While living in the Chicago area, Chuck worked for the democratic party of Cook County, was the founder of The Maywood Village Band, owner of Altonen Graphic Designs, and was a journalist for The Maywood Herald. In 1981, Chuck returned to Ashtabula Harbor and founded The Harbor Journal and worked at Gazette newspapers. Chuck was the driving force behind many efforts including the Finnish American Heritage Association and the Mariner Memorial Park. He was a lifetime member of the Ashtabula Area Museum & Historical Society, an honor bestowed upon him by the Marine Museum. He was also involved with The Great Lakes and U.S. Coast Guard Memorial Marine Museum, the Hubbard House Underground Railway Museum, and the Finnish-American Museum. Chuck also served on many boards including the International Alumni Board at Finlandia University; St. John’s Lutheran Church in Maywood, Ill.; president of District 89 School Board in Cook County, Ill.; and Bethany Lutheran Church in Ashtabula. He was recently inducted into the LHS/AHS/HHS Hall of Fame. His other interests included painting in oils and acrylics, drawing in pen and ink, creating greeting cards, photography, music, and architecture. Chuck is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy (Halonen) Altonen; sons, Jeffry and Alan (Julie) Altonen; granddaughters, Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel Altonen; brothers, Jon (Sharon) Altonen and Robert (Sue) Altonen; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kaarlo and Gertrude (Jokiniemi); and brother, Kenneth. Funeral Services will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21st, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, with the Rev. Larry Mackey officiating. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery in Ashtabula. Calling Hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20th, at POTTI FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 1329 Lake Ave., Ashtabula. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, Mariner Memorial Park, or the Finnish-American Heritage Association. Obituary at pottifuneralhome and starbeacon.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 20:39:55 +0000
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