As our children will look back on these posts in later years and remember these moments, I wanted to say a few words to them that their grandfather would have if he were he here. We were blessed to be with him during his last days.
Kayden, "you will knock someone out with your first punch. You are strong, baby." Poppa enjoyed training you to be a boxer and captivating you with his stories.
Fallon, "Miss Michigan". You were Poppa's beauty queen and angel. Poppa couldn't get enough of your sweet smile and precious way. You received his last hand squeeze.
Kai, Poppa would tell me you reminded him "of how he was as a little boy". He loved when you would come into his room and want to check out his treasures or just sit with him and watch cartoons.
And for you all, "just remember you're good lookin'!"
Remember playing harmonicas with Poppa, watching Poppa draw and getting lessons, receiving your own twenty dollar bills from Poppa, taking Poppa to see his doctors, decorating for Poppa, visiting Poppa at RaeAnne, listening to Poppa's stories, songs, jokes, and silly words like "bobba dooba", and all the breakfasts, lunches, and dinners we ate beside Poppa.
I know it seems lonely without him here and you are learning a big life lesson as you process Poppa leaving us for heaven. Poppa will always love you and watch over you. Best of all, Poppa can be with Uncle Matti again.
David Rufus Luhta aka Karhu (the bear), age 82, went on to heaven Friday, October 24, 2014.
Born June 13, 1932 to John and Edna Luhta of Fairport, Ohio, Dave roamed the beach, frequented libraries, and rode ponies in his youth. He moved to Painesville when he was twelve, where his athleticism shined and he brought the State Champion Mile Record home to Harvey High School.
After graduation, he became a Ranger in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved the appreciation strangers would express to him when he wore his Korean Veteran hat.
A man of many careers from brick layer to carpenter, janitor, newspaper reporter, deckhand, and policeman, his favorite was teaching and coaching in the Ashtabula area. Dave touched many lives and maintained friendships with many of his former students.
He was blessed with nine amazing children, Poppa to nine precious grandchildren, and found his soulmate in Susan "for a moment of forever". They resided in Haywood Beach, Saybrook Township, where "the weather was always perfect... Heaven on earth".
Full of songs to sing and stories to share, he was one of a kind. Dave loved a house full of activity, phone calls, superfluous vocabulary words, OSU football, Hemmingway, self-created expressions, the VCR, Willie Nelson, and Bologna sandwiches. He marched to his own beat and made sure he always did things his way.
Dave leaves behind his devoted wife of 44 years, Susan, and their children Lars David (Adrienne), Gunar David (Jenny), Klaus David (Krista), and Susanna Eileen (Scott). Poppa will be missed by grandchildren Leah, Alyssa, Kayden, Fallon, Soren, Kai, and Finn.
Dave is also survived by his former wife, Lucille Dolce, and their children, David Rufus Jr (Patty), Johnathan Joseph, Christopher Robin, and Cynthia Joyce Luhta Reed and grandchildren, Eric (Leslie) and Adam (Sarah).
He also leaves behind his brothers, Fabian and Ray, sister, Enid Anderson, sister-in-law, Connie Luhta, many nieces and nephews, and best friend, Roger Freeman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna, sister, Elna Kristensen, brothers, Harvey and Adolph, Uncle Rufus Tenkku, and son, Mattias David.
A private family memorial is being planned for summer 2015.
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