ERKKI (ERIC) ALESTALO, passed away on June 25, 2014 at the age of 90 years. He was a self-made man. His start in life was not easy given given the times in Finland. Eric was a soldier in the Finnish Army and fought against the Russian Army. There were few opportunities post WWII for a young man. He found jobs on freighters and traveled the world. The stories he could tell from his adventures! Eric returned to Finland and married Maire Tuulikki Sederholm in 1952, and immigrated to the USA in 1955 with his wife and young son, Erkki (Jr). In 1956, his second son, Eric was born. Eric lived the “American Dream” with his family; establishing a successful home building business. He retired to his much loved Vero Beach in 1984. The ocean drew him, but also his many friends at “Cravings,” whom he joined each morning.

Eric is survived by his two sons, and their wives, Erkki & Sharon and Eric & Barbara; as well as grandchildren, Elizabeth & Ryan Baxter, Sarah Alestalo and Kristofer Alestalo; his great grandchildren, Jack and Lily Baxter were his most recent joys. He maintained close ties with his nephew and nieces in Finland, as well.

A “Remembrance Opportunity” will be held 7:30 a.m. till 8:30 a.m., Thursday, July 3rd, at Cravings, on Vero’s Beach. Eric had a good long run, filled with adventures, family, and many friends. He will be missed. Lowther Funeral Home (7/1/14)

 

HELEN EMMA MCCULLERS, 87, died June 27, 2014 in Vero Beach, FL after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born March 12, 1927 in Winter Beach, FL the daughter of Luther and Josie Dukes.

Survivors include daughters, Elaine McCullers of Winter Beach, FL and Sue (Jose) Morales of Winter Beach, FL; sons, Jack (Carol Jean) McCullers of Reagan, TN and Johnny (Polly) McCullers of Vero Beach, FL; 11 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by special nieces, De Dukes and Rebecca Hampton and their families. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter and her husband of 66 years Elder Donald McCullers .

Visitation will be Monday June 30, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach, FL. A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM on Tuesday July 1, 2014 at Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church in Winter Beach, FL. Interment will follow in Winter Beach Cemetery, Winter Beach, FL. Strunk Funereal Home (7/1/14)