Veikko Petter Tietavainen

December 26, 1940 - October 14, 2021

Veikko was born to Keikki Petter Tietavainen of Sortavala, Finland and Tyyne Lovisa Kastinen Tietavainen of Kaustajarvi, Finland. As a young Mechanical Engineer, Veikko worked for Georgia Pacific worldwide and proudly became a U.S. Citizen. Years later, he studied Biblical Counseling at Liberty University in Pensacola, Florida. At that time, Veikko met and married Ruth Eloise Jarrell Heskett. Later he studied Biblical Greek at Florida Southern in Lakeland, Florida and was ordained by The Assembly of God denomination. Veikko worked for Teen Challange, Loving Hands Ministries and was a Chaplain for the incarcerated in Sarasota County, Florida. He was a champion for the sick, the downtrodden, the poor, and those with addiction. Veikko lived in Village Plaza and took pleasure in walking his dog Simon. He enjoyed his neighborhood and was quite fond of those who lived near him.Veikko and Eloise attended New Covenant Family Church, led by Pastor Gary Boughman, and Veikko sometimes preached there. Understanding the concept of strength in numbers, Veikko would meet and pray with other ministers of the gospel. An example and good friend was Peter Grenidge. The family of Veikko Tietavainen would like to express gratitude to all of his friends for their service and kindness. Veikko is survived by his wife Ruth Eloise Tietavainen and her daughters -Johanna Emma Whitmire with granddaughter Kirstin Whitmire, Gayle Florence Heskett with granddaughter Elisabeth Grace Whitmire, granddaughter Johanna Joy Davis with Philgood, grandson David John Whitmire with Jessica and greatgrandchildren Moriah, Ellishah, Zoey Prewitt with Nathaniel, Gabriel Whitmire with Sarah and Melody Veikko is survived by these members of his Finnish family: Irmeli Hoznour, sister, and children Ingrid, Jana, Eric with Sophie Saimi Elina Vulli, sister, and her son Pertti with Anita Hilkka Hankkinen, sister, and her daughters Tarja and Teija Airi and Huugo Lehtonen, cousins Instead of flowers, Veikko's Florida family asks that you might consider donating to one of his favorite Not-For-Profits. Though Veikko was very generous and supported many charities, these groups follow his lifelong question, “Am I My Brother's Keeper?” Loving Hands Ministries, contact Danarris Mason The Gideons International Bible placement, Nashville The JOY FM – Prayerline, contact Renee Faircloth Sarasota House of Prayer – Missions Projects, contact Rebecca Riley E. E. Prison Ministries, contact Art Hallett Light of the World International Church, contact Peter Grenidge New Covenant Family Church, contact Gary L. Boughman