John Rautine

John Edward Rautine, 81, passed peacefully at the PA Soldiers and Sailors Home on April 15, 2016. He was born in Erie on December 8th, 1934, the son of the late Toivo and Dorothea Wilkins Rautine.

He was a graduate of Millcreek High School, class of 1952. He then attended Penn State University. He worked as an engineer at Spectrum Controls and American Sterilizer, and then pursued his passion and hobby of woodworking by becoming a master furniture craftsman. He enjoyed playing softball well into his 70’s. He also enjoyed wine making, spending time with his friends and his sauna. He loved walking in the woods among the beauty of the trees, and the land of his farm.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers T. Bert and Gary Rautine, and his sister Nancy Fuhrer. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Rautine, her partner Naomi Teperow, his sister Susan Barnes of Monterey, CA and several nieces and nephews.

John is also survived by his second family at the PA Soldiers and Sailors Home Unit D. The family is eternally grateful for the wonderful care he received there. A special thank you to CNA Beth Biby who welcomed him the first day he arrived and continued to provide humor and compassion until his passing.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, Erie, from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, April 19th, 2016, with a brief service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, The Anna Shelter, or the Shriner’s Hospital. Send Condolences to www.Burtonfunerlhomes.com.