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Obituary for Edsel L. Walitalo
Edsel, age 90 of Littleton was a former resident at Wind Crest of Highlands Ranch.
He was born May 13th, 1927 in Calumet, Michigan. His parents had immigrated to the United States from Demmon, Finland. Edsel was the youngest of eight children. He attended high school in Hancock, Michigan and graduated in June of 1945. On October 8th, 1948 he joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged on August 2nd, 1952.
Following his discharge, he attended Michigan Tech University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and graduated with honors. On April 23rd, 1966 he was registered in Colorado as a professional engineer.
After college Edsel married and moved to Conifer, Colorado where he built a home. In 1962 he and his wife adopted their son Richard and in 1964 they adopted Mary Lynn.
On January 30th, 1966 Edsel made the most important decision of his life when he trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at Mountain High Chapel and followed the Lord in believer’s baptism.
In 1971 he met Irene Bates at South Sheridan Baptist Church and about a year later they were married.
Edsel was employed at Martin Marietta until he retired at age 60. While there he was a supervisor and was given special recognition for his work on a space shuttle. Following this he obtained his real estate license.
His hobbies and special interests included reading, golfing, guns, hunting, fishing and skiing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, his son Richard and step-daughter Connie.
He is survived by his wife Irene, daughter Mary Lynn Rutz, four grandchildren Casey, Lacey, Kelsey, and J.C. Rutz as well as one great-grandchild Aliyah. . Edsel went home to Heaven on January 18th, 2018.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers you might consider a contribution to one of the organizations listed below under Memorial Contributions.