Edwin O. Lahikainen

GARDNER - Edwin O. "Ed" Lahikainen, 85, of 31 Lennon Street, Gardner joined his Saviour Thursday morning, April 8th. He was born in Gardner on February 20,1925, the son of the late Henry and Matilda (Lavonen) Lahikainen and lived here most of his life. He returned to Gardner in 2008 after living in Munroe, Maine for 11 years. Ed was a 1943 graduate of Gardner High School and then joined the United States Army. He proudly served as a pilot in the Army Air Force, flying B-29's, B-24's and VC-78's. After his discharge, Ed joined National Reed Furniture Company, which had been founded by his father in 1925. He and his late brother Alpo owned and operated the company until 1981. Ed was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church, the former Covenant Lutheran Church and Bethel Lutheran Church. He sang in its choir for many years. He was a founding member of the Salisbury Singers of Worcester. An avid skier, Ed skied until the age of 80. For 22 years, he was a volunteer member of Stratton Mountain Ski Patrol and in later years was a volunteer member of the Mt. Wachusett Ski Patrol. Ed was also an avid golfer and was a member of the Gardner Municipal Golf Course for many years. Ed continued his love for flying and owned his own plane at one time. Ed spoke Finnish fluently and made several trips to Finland to visit relatives. Ed also ran a small ski shop in Gardner for several years with his friend, Leo Sadin. His last job was working as a maintenance worker for the State of Massachusetts at the Walter E. Fernald School in Baldwinville. His wife of 33 years, Carolyn (Fisher) Lahikainen, died in 1981. He leaves three daughters, Linda J. Overton and her husband Ronald of Lake Grove, NY, Jane M. Martin and her husband Ralph of Simsbury, CT and Elizabeth "Joyce" Webb of Sebring, FL; five grandchildren, Ned Overton, Peter Overton, Eve Overton, Carolyn Martin and Michael Martin; his former second wife and dear friend, Victoria "Marlene" Kamas of Royalston and several nephews and nieces. He was also predeceased by a brother, Alpo Lahikainen and a sister, Aini Lunn. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 11th at 3 P.M. in Faith Lutheran Church, 627 Green Street, Gardner. The Rev. Joanna Norris Grimshaw will officiate. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church Steeple Fund, 627 Green Street, Gardner, MA. 01440. Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements. www.stone-ladeau.com