Search by Name

Search by Name

Jeri Sopanen Obituary

SOPANEN--Jeri Rainer, 79 born in Helsinki, Finland, died peacefully September 21 after a battle with cancer. He lived a long and enviable life--his career as a cinematographer taking him around the world eight times. He is best known for his work on such films and documentaries as My Dinner with Andre, Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, The Gig, A Midsummer Nights Sex Comedy, The Plimpton! Series, and numerous Nova and National Geographic specials. He was loved by his family for his kind, gentle, generous, humble (yet proud), brilliant ways. He asked little of this world and genuinely appreciated everything he received. He was a man of few words (even though he spoke 7 languages), but His subtle, mischievous smile spoke for him. He will be profoundly missed by his wife, Marja, his three children, Mark Huneke, Anya Huneke, and Eric Sopanen, and his step-family, Mark, Petra, and Rebecca Roth. A Memorial service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 83 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014 on Saturday, October 4 at 2:00pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from Sep. 27 to Sep. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeri Sopanen

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Ruth Rudner-Muench

September 28, 2008

You will be missed, Jeri. All of us --then --had some good times in NY, and certainly, some awfully good dinners. Your artistry, and your extraordinary mind, inspired us. This, now, is an era gone . . . Yet, Spirit is never gone. Rest in glory, friend.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Jeri Sopanen's name

Memorial Events
for Jeri Sopanen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jeri's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jeri Sopanen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more