Rudoph Hiltonen

IRON MOUNTAIN - Rudolph N. "Booch" Hiltonen, 90, died peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, at the home of his son, Leonard, who has lovingly cared for him over the past several years. He was born on June 2, 1917, in Boston, Mich., the son of the late Louis and Hilda (Kempala) Hiltonen. His father worked in the mines there. They later moved to the "Northside" of Iron Mountain. He attended the Iron Mountain schools until going to the CCC Camp. He then joined the Army Air Corps for four years where he became a staff sergeant. Rudy married Vivian Witzel of Chicago. They were married for 45 years. She preceded him in death in 1996. He worked for the city of Iron Mountain at Cemetery Park for 39 years. He loved his work and made several friends during those years. He enjoyed many rabbit feeds with his friends from the cemetery, Cookie, Bruce, Dean, Becco, Al Dabb and Pete Clash. His hobbies included softball and working. He received the nickname Booch by nailing a bushel basket up on the garage wall and pitching softballs into it. He was known for his amazing pitching. Rudy played for Liberty Loan and other local bars through the years. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. It wasn't unusual to find Rudy re-roofing a neighbor's house after putting in a full day's work. Rudolph is survived by one sister, Sonya Ketola of Amasa; two sons, Nick Hiltonen of Kingsford and Leonard Hiltonen of Norway Township; 10 grandchildren, Crissa, Cy, and Abby Hiltonen of Kingsford, Leonard (Kentrice) Hannah of Norway and four great-grandchildren and one in the oven, Jerelene (Sydney) Jackson of Orlando, Fla. and seven great-grandchildren, Andrena (Keith) Griffin of Georgia and six great-grandchildren, Yamina (Joe) Piatti of Milwaukee and three great-grandchildren, Delece (Farley) of Chicago and three great-grandchildren, Jamie Marie Love of Boise, Idaho and five great-grandchildren, and Victor McDuffy of Madison, Wis. and two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilda and Louis Hiltonen; his wife Vivian, three brothers, Fred, John and Louis; and three sisters Ann Olson, Mayme Hiltonen, and Esther Johnson. Over the past five years, Rudy enjoyed attending Family Ties two days a week to see Tammy, Angie, Pauline, and Sharon. He couldn't wait to go! The family would like to thank Family Ties and Christine of UPCAP for all they have done for the past five years. They would also like to thank Loving Caring Hands for sending Stacy to care for their dad's needs over the past three months. Rudy and Stacy shared a special bond. She was very caring. There will be a full military burial service on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. The eulogy will be given by Dr. Michael Zevitz. Condolences to the family of Rudoph "Booch" Hiltonen can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home with arrangements.

Rudoph Hiltonen

August 28, 2007