Arne Somppi

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Arne R. Somppi, 86, passed away May 17, 2005 at his home following an extended illness.
He was born April 16, 1919, to Kalle and Kathryn IsoSomppi in Warren, Ohio and lived in Cuyahoga Falls the past 56 years. He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1937. He enlisted in the army in 1941 where he served with the 1st Armored Division as a Tank Mechanic, took part in the "Torch" Invasion in Africa and was Honorably Discharged on July 30, 1945.
He attended Bradly University in Peoria, Illinois where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Science, and Kent State University where he received a Masters Degree in Education. He retired from the Akron Public School system in 1974 where he was an Industrial Arts Teacher for 29 years. After retirement he worked at NEFCO and the Summit County Sheriff's Department. He had enjoyed golf and fishing (building a boat for Lake Erie) until poor health restricted his activity. He was active in the Boy Scouts, Indian Guides and Soap Box Derby with his sons. He was also active with the Democratic Party in Cuyahoga Falls and was a deacon at the United Presbyterian Church in Cuyahoga Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kalle and Kathryn IsoSomppi; step-father, Arvi Koski; sister and brother-in-law, Helvi and Earl Riehl; and daughter, Kathryn Anne Somppi. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Altheda (Milner); sons, Kerry A. and Kevin A. of Cuyahoga Falls; daughter, Karen A. (Mel) Newsome; grandchildren, David Paul and Tracie Marie Newsome, Jennifer (Jason) Phillips; and great-grandchildren, Faith, Damian and Lacie Phillips of Akron. He kept in touch with many relatives in Finland, Canada and the United States. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, where a service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday. Final resting place Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.