Worcester: Rauni J. "Rudy" Luopa, 84, died Friday October 7, 2011 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 57 years, Louise A. (Lindgren) Luopa predeceased him on December 18, 2010. They are survived by their children, Rev. Jon M. Luopa and his wife Annie of Seattle, WA, Heidi C. Luopa of Worcester and Wendy L. MacLeod and her husband Shawn of Rutland, and their beloved granddaughters, Laila and Julika Luopa and Kaitlyn MacLeod. He also leaves a sister-in-law Christine H. Church of Shrewsbury, a nephew Jonathan, a niece Karen, and their families.
Rauni was born in Worcester on January 20, 1927, the only child of Fanni J. (Kuusisto) Luopa and Juho F. Luopa. He grew up on Belmont Hill and on a farm in Leicester among the Finnish American families that settled in these areas. Many happy memories and lifelong friendships grew out of these early days. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII on a destroyer in the South Pacific. He was a member of the American Legion Post 435 in Worcester.
He met the love of his life, Louise, while dancing at the Scandinavian Athletic Club, SAC, in 1952. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on that same dance floor in 2003. They were each other's best friend for nearly 60 years and their bond of love was strong and deep until Rudy's passing. His wife and family were his heaven. Family memories include travel and summers in Wells, Maine.
Rudy, as he was known to most people, was a truck driver for more than forty years. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 170. He was a member of the Finnish American Club, Sovittaja of Rutland, SAC, and the Emanuel Lutheran Church where he was active for many years in Boy Scout Troop 63. He had been a scout himself as a youth and took great enjoyment out of being an adult scout leader. His irrepressible sense of humor, unfailing loyalty to friends, and the devoted care he gave to loved ones shall be greatly missed. He lived a good life and brought much love and laughter to all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rudy's family on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 between 5 and 8 p.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln Street. His funeral will be on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Emanuel Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church 200 Greenwood St. Worcester, MA 01607 or to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home 10 Judith Rd. Worcester, MA 01603-3213.
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