Rodney 'Louie' C. Asunto

RACINE, Wis. - Rodney "Louie" C. Asunto, age 76, passed away in his sleep on Sept. 16, 2023. Proud of his heritage, he was 100% Finnish, born April 4, 1947, son of the late Charles and Martha (nee Niemi) Asunto, and raised in Ironwood, Michigan.

Rodney was a graduate of Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1965. He moved to Racine after graduating where he found employment at Twin Disc and was employed for over 45 years, last working as a tool and die maker. During his lifetime he enjoyed softball, bowling, snowmobiling, fishing, and going hunting with his uncle Leo.

On April 16, 1983, he was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Jean E. Richter. Together they raised two daughters. Rodney was a talented handyman and was able to fix anything. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage where one project always seemed to lead into another. He loved telling stories about his life, especially his mischievous younger days. Rodney was extremely proud of his daughters and all their accomplishments in life. Above all, it was time spent with his grandkids that he loved most. They were the light of his life.

In remembering, we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will continue to carry. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him, and his spirit will continue to guide those he left behind. Though illness robbed him of many comforts, he lived his life in the Finnish spirit of "sisu."

Rodney was loved by his wife, Jean, of 40 years; daughters, Amanda (Jeremy) Hartig and Melissa (Eric) Hillery; grandsons, Jameson and Abram Hartig, Louie and Kane Hillery, and stepgranddaughter, Maeden Hillery; siblings, Thomas Asunto, Shirley (Eugene) DeRanco and John Asunto; in-laws, James (Kathy) Richter, Janice Richter and John (Carol) Richter; godsons, Tommy Asunto Jr. and Lee DeRanco; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Tony Asunto; sister, Audrey Gayan; father- and mother-in-law, Robert (Catherine) Richter; and sisters-in-law, Debbie Asunto and Julie Belkin.

A memorial service celebrating Rodney "Louie's" life will be held at Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St., in Racine, on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation at 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated.

A very special thank you to his nurse practitioner Karen Murrilo and long-time nurse Diane for their loving and compassionate care over the years.

Please send condolences to meredithfuneralhome.com.