George O. Lehtonen

George O. Lehtonen, age 76, of Madison, Ohio, passed away March 8, 2024, at the Lantern of Saybrook in Ashtabula with all of his close family by his side. He was born March 10, 1947, in Isokyro, Finland to Tauno and Annikki (Simojoki) Lehtonen.

George came to the United States from Finland in 1969, longing for the American dream. He was self-employed and owned Custom Design Kitchen and Bath. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Fairport Harbor and served on the church council.

George enjoyed bowling (he rolled a 300 game), golfing, skiing (cross-country and downhill), folk-dancing, singing, and playing the keyboard, but most of all he loved engaging in activities involving his grandchildren like running, playing soccer and yard games like molkky and petanque, and building award winning pinewood derby cars (due to his affection for Nascar racing.) He was literally the jack of all trades, master of many, and when he was stumped he could jerry-rig the problem unto success. In these ways he served God, his family, his church, and friends and neighbors alike, like no other.  He was the epitome of a man who would give you the shirt off his back.

George is survived by his wife, Kaarina (Asunmaa) Lehtonen; sons: Ari Lehtonen, Timo (Rachel) Lehtonen, Daniel (Solene) Malkamaki, M.D., and Dennis Malkamaki; 12 incredible grandchildren, one great grand child, 7 siblings, and many extended family members throughout Finland and the U.S.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mika, his grandson, Theo, and his parents.

Friends will be received 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral

Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio. A Memorial Service will follow at 5:00 PM at

Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Eagle Street, Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Internment will be at the Zion Suomi Lutheran Church Cemetery in Fairport Harbor at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church, 508

Eagle Street, Fairport Harbor, Ohio 44077.

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