Walter E. Pekkanen

Columbus - Walter E. Pekkanen, 97, died on Monday, November 21, 2016 in Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was born July 28, 1919 in Poland, son of the late Edwin and Alina Namie Pekkanen.

Walter was a 1938 graduate of Poland Seminary High School. He retired as Vice President of Panelmatic, Inc. but was serving on their Board of Directors till 2012. He was a member of the Poland Kiwanis Club, Gideon's International, Tippecanoe Country Club and also served two terms as a Poland Township Trustee. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, skiing and traveling.

He leaves his daughter, Nancy (Robert) Gillette of Columbus; grandson, Arthur Gillette of Denver, CO; stepchildren, David (Terri) Redding of Coledale, CO, Thomas (Paula) Redding of Durango, CO, Keith Redding of Siesta Keys, FL, Michael (Anna) Redding of Austin, TX, Deborah (Lou) Daus of Canfield, Giovanna (Jim) Ramsey of Poland and Rosanne (Jody) Cercone of Boardman; his sister, Elsa Metting of Spokane, WA.; and many nieces, nephews and step grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Donis Fieldhouse Pekkanen, his second wife, Giovanna Redding Pekkanen, his sisters, Sylvia Stoner, Gertude Elder and Elma Ramsey; and his brothers George, William and Leo Pekkanen.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11am at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2985 Center Rd. Poland, OH 44514 with Pastor Julianne Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 10-11am on Saturday at the church.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2985 Center Rd. Poland, OH. 44514.

The Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland is handling arrangements.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.