Timo Haapanen

Timo Haapanen of Pelham Alabama went to his heavenly home on the evening of May 23, 2022, at the age of 84. Timo passed away at home at the side of his loving wife of 34 years Polly after graciously enduring a short battle with lung cancer.

Timo was born December 6, 1937 in Haapajarvi Finland and emigrated with his family via a sailing ship to the US in 1948 at the age of 14.  His entire family, after a time at Ellis Island, was sponsored by distant relatives in Detroit Michigan.  Timo and his family of two sisters and one brother called Michigan home soon after they relocated to warmer climate in sunny Ventura California. He was drafted into the US Army and served his country in the Korean War. Upon his discharge he resumed his life in Ventura California.  His next adventure took him to Decatur Georgia and from there to Mobile Alabama.  He landed in Pelham Alabama where he raised his family and operated a small business, Resco, as one the areas authorities repairing respiratory equipment.  He became a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Hoover and served the congregation and the Lord in many ways.  His service to his community and church included driving the church’s bus on many trips with the Pacesetters Club, helping transport families to come to worship and cooking for his congregation as often as he was called upon.  His was always the “biggest fish at the fish fry!”  He served as chairman for the local food bank in Pelham Love in Action.  The phrase Love in action is a phrase that can be associated with this fine man, Timo Haapanen.

Timo has resided in Port Saint Lucie Florida for the past 9 years.  He moved there to be with his sister Anna Hytinen, and to enjoy year-round fishing.  He promptly found his new church and immediately continued his good works for the Lord at Calvary Port Saint Lucie.

Timo is survived by wife Pauline Haapanen and her children Rhonda Morris and Brian Miller. He is survived by sister Anna L Hytinen, his daughter Dorrine Goldschmidt, his grandchildren Casey Goldschmidt, Jennifer Goldschmidt, Tosha Morris, Trey Morris, Briana Brown and Jacob Miller. His great grandchildren Liam Goldschmidt, Hildy Goldschmidt, Micah Morris, Jacelyn Alexander, Eason Solowes, Rylan Solowes, and Emerson Solowes.

He is preceded in death by his son Timo Haapanen and stepson Donny Miller.  His mother Esther Talkkari and his father Yrjo Haapanen.  His brother Seppo Haapanen and his sister Eira Cheatley.

His service will be at Currie Jefferson Funeral Home at 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover AL 35244.  Family visitation will begin at 12:30 followed by friends and family visitation from 1:00 to 2:00.  A service will commence at 2:00 led by longtime friend Brother Randy Atkinson with music by the Minister of Music of the First Baptist Church of Hoover Ron Hillburn.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Love in Action a community food and household bank in Pelham Alabama.  Donations for Love in Action in honor of Timo Happanen can be made by check to First Baptist Church of Hoover.

Timo was a fine man and great citizen.  He served his family, community and country with grace, a dry wit and as a “Fin” would.  He will be missed greatly by all that had the pleasure to know him.