Jun 2, 2022
CHASSELL – Gerald “Jerry” Francis Riutta was born yesterday, June 1, 1942, at Crittenton Hospital to Gertrude Kathryn Saarinen Riutta and Walfred Francis Riutta in Detroit, Michigan. He passed away on November 14, 2018.
He was rooted with his Finnish American family in Michigan – namely, the Detroit area and in “The Copper Country” region of the Upper Peninsula – and was the unofficial family historian. As a boy, Jerry lived with his family in Highland Park and then Royal Oak, Michigan in 1949. He spent many of his summers with his grandparents in Chassell, Michigan. He graduated high school with honors in 1960 from Royal Oak’s Kimball High School where he excelled in baseball and football, as pitcher and quarterback.
Jerry served in the United States Marines Corps from 1966 to 1970, as a staff sergeant in Da Nang, Vietnam. After his service, he studied at Michigan Technological University and graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He began his career as a mechanical engineer at Owens Corning Fiberglass in Granville, Ohio and then Knauf Fiberglass in Shelbyville, Indiana. From there, Jerry formed Riutta Technical Services, as a consultant working in Minnesota, Texas, and other states.
Throughout his career, his job also allowed him to work in Germany, Belgium, and France. And since he loved traveling, it was a great match. His intelligence, knowledge, and his tendency to throw himself into the task at hand made him a valued member of any team, seeing the project to the Finnish line (yes, pun intended-Jerry would approve).
Jerry retired in Fort Recovery, Ohio, continuing his longtime hobbies. He collected postcards of the mining industry in the Upper Midwest, a hobby inspired by his interests in geology and his family’s history of working in the copper mines. Following a musical family tradition, Jerry played the trumpet and later the guitar, an instrument he played for the rest of his life. He was a great fan of early jazz, blues, and folk music, and the works of Bix Beiderbecke, Bunny Berigan, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Benny Goodman, and Doc Watson, among others. He was also an avid photographer during much of his life, capturing countless images of his family life. He also played sports such as racquetball, softball, and hockey throughout his life.
Jerry’s sister, Janice Lorene Smith recently passed away. He is survived by his brother Ken Riutta and Jerry’s three sons Robert John, Kirk James, and Matthew Ross, and their mother Carol Sue Riutta.
Jerry had sisu – the Finnish term for grit, purpose, tenacity, and resilience.
He led with this creed throughout his life, also guided by his generosity to his family and friends.
Today, we lovingly honor him. Happy Birthday Dad!
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Gerald 'Jerry' Francis Riutta | News, Sports, Jobs – Daily Mining Gazette
