Rudolph "Rudy" Hautamaki

Rudolph “Rudy” Alan Hautamaki left this world on October 11, 2024. He was born in Highland Park Michigan on May 12th 1943. He was the third son of Wiljo and Ruth (Samanen) Hautamaki. Rudy graduated from Eben High School and received his bachelor’s degree in teaching from Northern Michigan University. His career as an industrial arts teacher at Wilkinson Junior High School in Madison Heights, Michigan spanned 30 years. It was here that he met his wife of 54 years, Eva (Fischer) Hautamaki. They have two children, Kristin (Matthew) Russelburg and Erik (Adrienne) Hautamaki. They have three grandsons Mitchell Russelburg, Christopher Russelburg, and Carter Russelburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wiljo and Ruth Hautamaki, his oldest brother “Billy” Hautamaki, his Parents in Law Mathias and Theresia Fischer, sister in law Elisabeth (Ernest) Bagley, cousin Bernice (Nestor) Salminen, and many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

He is survived by his brother Bernhart (Vicky) Hautamaki; brother in law Ernest Bagley; his “brother by another mother” and Best Man Marty (Phyllis) Pokela; his “special celebration cousins” Luane Warnders, Gretta and Patrick Donahue, Dennis Hautamaki; his always visiting cousin Alan Hautamaki; his loving aunts Irene Swajanen and Vivian Riddle; his genius mechanic Len Salminen; his many nieces, relatives, neighbors and friends.

Fishing was one of his great passions. He and his “fishing buddy” Ken La Cosse took advantage of the many opportunities offered by the U.P. streams and lakes. He enjoyed being in the outdoors, for recreation or work, along with fishing he enjoyed hunting and camping. He loved exploring the beauties of the landscapes in the U.S. and its parks. His life also included many “odd” jobs and hobbies from carpentry, forestry, roofing, stained glass, gardening, baking, and maple syrup production. His children and grandsons were especially important to him, and his lessons will stay with them forever. He was especially proud of each of their achievements. Above all he was a kind and patient man who loved his wife, family, and Finnish heritage.

His family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to our kind and wonderful neighbors who have helped in so many ways; to the doctors and nurses and support staff at Henry Ford and Alliance Health; to the awesome staff “family” of Select Specialty Hospital in Mt. Clemens who took such good care of him and those whose actions made this difficult journey easier. May you be blessed and rewarded for your love and care.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation to the American Diabetes association or Habitat for Humanity would be appreciated.

Services were held in Clinton Township on Thursday. Local services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024. Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham, Michigan at 2:30 p.m.