Dennis John Riutta

Born October 30, 1945, in Houghton, a son of Leonard and Elma (Korsman) Riutta, Dennis was raised on the family farm on North Superior Road. Working on the farm, he learned the value of hard work and developed a strong work ethic which remained with him.

Springtime on the farm involved planting and fall brought about harvest. During both seasons, he left school to help on the farm and was unable to complete his education. Later in life, Dennis earned his GED.

In November 1962, Dennis entered the U.S. Army, serving during Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge in March 1963, he moved to Florida for a time where he worked in orange juice manufacturing before returning to Houghton. In 1979, he relocated to Marquette, where he met Sherry Marie Johnson on January 30, 1980, who would become his partner and caregiver.

Throughout his lifetime, Dennis was employed at a variety of jobs, including working as a window washer at many Marquette businesses, working with his brother at Riutta and Sons, and working maintenance for 25 years at Wattson and Wattson Jewelers in Marquette. Dennis retired in 2015 due to ill health.

Dennis loved music and could often be found playing his guitar, usually country western music. His love of the old West continued with his love of The Lone Ranger series and especially its theme song. Both he and Sherry enjoyed playing cards, traveling, dancing, and taking walks in the woods and enjoying nature. Dennis was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Marquette.

Survivors include his significant other of 41 years, Sherry Marie Johnson of Marquette; brothers, Melvin (Madeline), Irving, Michael, Roger (Kris), Paul (Kathy), Anthony (Liisa), Steven (Diane), Glen (Bernice), Mark, and Dan; sisters, Brenda (Michael) Pelto and Gail Kauppila; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Rooney.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol Jean Riutta.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, March 27, beginning at 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Masks and social distancing is required and attendance is limited to 25 persons in the funeral home at a time.

Private family services will be held with Rev. Molly Eversoll officiating. Interment will be made at a later date in the Oskar Cemetery, Houghton.

The service will be livestreamed on Messiah Lutheran’s Facebook page beginning at 11:30 a.m. and can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/messiahlutheranmqt.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.