FORMERLY OF NORTH VERNON
Rudolph “George” Piirto, age 85 of North Vernon and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Hickory Creek of Columbus Healthcare following a brief illness. He was born August 25, 1937 in Trout Creek, Michigan, the son of Jacob and Lempi (Tuomisto) Piirto.
George graduated in 1955 from Trout Creek High School in Michigan before serving his country in the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life, Carol Lynn Silvey on June 11, 1960, and they shared over 42 years of marriage together before her passing in 2002. George retired from Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo in December of 1993 after 30 years of service in maintenance and oiling.
He and Carol were former members of St. John Lutheran Church in Elwood, and George was currently an active member at First Lutheran Church in Columbus.
He was a member of the U.A.W. #685 in Kokomo. George especially enjoyed woodworking, home improvement projects, and working in construction with his son in previous years. More than anything, George was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed.
George’s family legacy includes a daughter, Mary Ann Piirto of Tuscon, AZ; son, Michael (wife Susan) Piirto of Columbus; 2 siblings, Elaine Cheadle and Ray Piirto; 2 grandchildren, Courtney (husband Mitchell) Cardinal of Columbus and Cody Piirto of Tuscon, AZ; 2 great-grandchildren, Cameron and Madelynn Cardinal; and numerous nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Piirto; son, James Piirto; and 8 siblings, Aileen Taeger, Arne Piirto, Eleanor Hillson, Eino Piirto, Mae Lock, Jenny Yankovich, Reuban Piirto, and John Piirto.
A funeral service celebrating George’s life and faith will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Larry Isbell officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm prior to the funeral on Wednesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA (A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.
