JOUKO JUHANI LEPPANEN

Jouko Juhani Leppanen, 68, passed away Monday morning at Weatherwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Weatherly, PA. He was the husband of Edith Mae Brandmier-Leppanen with whom he shared 18 years of marriage.

Born in Turku, Finland, he was the son of Helge Harald Leppanen and Ritva Annikki Ahti Leppanen Ahden. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister - Leila Leppanen Ahden; a step-brother, Seppo Leppanen; and a brother-in-law, Wayne J. Gower.

He attended Turun Lyseo School in Turku, Finland and served as a Corporal in the Finnish Navy. Jouko was employed at Turku Ship Repair Yard, W-Sub, and Valmet as a diesel/engine repairman. He traveled the world repairing Cruise ships and submarines. Jouko and Edith met aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship, Song of America, in October, 1997.

Jouko was a member of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, 418 Berwick Street, White Haven, PA. He enjoyed reading, motorcycling, walking hand-in-hand with wife - Edith, Formula I racing, cross-work puzzles, hunting, fishing, nature, woodworking, gardening, trivia, history, and repairing engines/lawnmowers. Jouko will be remembered as a wonderful husband, partner, friend, father, brother-in-law, and uncle. He worked hard, was very kind, and personal. Jouko especially loved visits, phone calls, pictures/photos, and text messages from his children, nieces, and nephews.

He is survived by his loving wife, Edith Mae Brandmier-Leppanen; and three children from his first marriage - Son, Pasi Leppanen and Family, Turku, Finland; and Daughters, Piia Leppanen, Turku, Finland; and Paivi Leppanen and Family, Turku, Finland; step-sister, Saara Leppanen; three Sisters'-In-Law; a Brother-In-Law, and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation, for their loving care and support through the past 9 years, to the many physicians, especially Drs'. Philip J. Benyo and Dr. Michael Evans, and Polly Anna Fino, PA-C; staff of LVHN Cancer Center, Airport Beltway, Hazleton, PA; staff of Cancer Treatment Center, East Broad Street, Hazleton, PA; staff of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY; staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, PA; and staff of Weatherwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Weatherly, PA.

A Memorial Service honoring Jouko Juhani Leppänen life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020, with a viewing from 10:30 AM until time of service, 11:00 AM, at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, 414 Berwick Street, White Haven, PA 18661, with Pastor Janell Wigen officiating. There will be no cemetery service since a double interment will be held at Laurel Cemetery, White Haven upon the death of Jouko's wife. Family, friends, and acquaintances are invited to attend Viewing/Memorial Service. A luncheon (at Church of St. Patrick Parish Center, 411 Allegheny St., White Haven) will be held immediately following the service.

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