Dr. Lassi A. Kivioja

Lassi A. Kivioja, 87, of Lafayette, Indiana, died on Monday, November 17, 2014 at Creasy Springs Health Campus. Lassi was born March 29, 1927 to Reverend Vilho Kivioja and Alice Bergroth Kivioja in Kalajoki, Finland. He immigrated to the United States in 1955 and became a naturalized citizen in 1961. On September 19, 1964, he married Emily B. Rose Kerkhove in Lafayette.

Lassi received his M.S. in Physics from The University at Helsinki while working at the Finnish Geodetic Institute specializing in earth's gravity. He was an instructor and received his Ph.D. from the Department of Geodetic Science at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, working there at The Mapping and Charting Laboratory. He was an educator, researcher, inventor, author, and patriot. A professor emeritus at Purdue University, his career there spanned over 26 years, where he taught and conducted research in Geodetic Sciences. Famous mathematicians (Lagrange, Laplace, Gauss) spent time trying to solve the two primary, age-old problems of geometric geodesy without success. Lassi developed a precise computer integration method which was successful in solving these problems. He was a Fellow in the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping, a Life Fellow in the American Association for Geodetic Surveying, and held a U.S. patent on mercury leveling instruments. He was a consultant for The National Geodetic Survey, Argonne National Laboratories, and the U.S. Air Force Geodetic Survey Squadron. One of his recent adventures was writing a book called Earth & Space Science for Everybody. He had obtained a copyright for his next book, The Forces Powering Coronal Mass Ejections.

Lassi is survived by his wife of 50 years, Emily. Also surviving are a daughter, Anne Kivioja Witter of Indianapolis, a son, David Kivioja (Susan) of Baltimore, Maryland, a stepson, Timothy Kerkhove of Lafayette, and 6 grandsons, Joseph, Erik, and Michael Witter; Daniel, Drew, and Luke Kivioja. Surviving in Finland are 2 sisters, Lea Sepponen, Eeva Laurell (Heikki), and 3 brothers, Dr. Olli Kivioja (Helja), Juho Kivioja (Sirkka), Matti Kivioja (Helena), and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by a step-son, Bradley Kerkhove of Lafayette; in Finland by his parents, 2 sisters, Leena Kivioja and Majlis Forss, and 2 brothers, Erkki Kivioja and Pekka Kivioja (Tellervo); and in Sweden by his brother Dr. Heikki Kivioja.

He was a member of Lafayette Exchange Club, the Air Force Association, National Geodetic Survey, American Geophysical Union, the former Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Lafayette, and was a veteran of the Finnish Army.

Visitation will be from 3:00 until 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 23rd at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 24, 2014 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909 with Pastor Phil Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Isley Cemetery in Lafayette.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Lassi's name to the Salvation Army or the Wounded Warrior Project.

You may sign the guest book or leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

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

Published by Journal & Courier from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Lassi Kivioja

5 Entries

Paul Shepherd

November 24, 2014

I had many years of wonderful childhood enjoyment and fun in the Kivioja household. As a father, Lassi was always leading the charge in having fun, joining in with the rest of us boys. Certainly the thing I remember most was all the seemingly "wild and dangerous" adventures he organized for David and me...(my mother would have never let that go on at our house!) If it required gasoline, balls, lighter fluid, batteries, carburetors, projectiles, ropes, ladders, pullies, duct tape, or sleds, it was likely going to be crafted into an afternoon of fun. (Yet football was too rough, "Why don't you play soccer, instead?") He always had something new to teach us, and I was proud to eventually become an engineer like him. (I was always fascinated by his patent plaques and HP calculator, back when calculators were not household items.) Lassi loved jokes and pranks with his keen wit and dry sense of humor. He was always attempting to trick us or get us to bite on a wild story, but after many years, I came to 'read' the twinkle in his eye that belied his straight expression during such tales. A memory I will never forget is him chasing us around the house before bedtime with fangs made out of a piece of swiss cheese he was eating...it was difficult to sleep that night. My experiences with Lassi, Emily, David and Anne will always be a major contributor to the development of my childhood years and the person I eventually became. I miss you all, and my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Peter Messier

November 23, 2014

Dr. Kivioja was my Geodesy professor when I was a graduate student at Purdue Univ. in the 1970's. I enjoyed and appreciated his teaching very much. The knowledge he imparted to me during that time has helped me in my career to this day. Farewell Dr. Kivioja.

Scott & Sue Abney

November 21, 2014

We have fond memories of Anne and her parents when Anne and our daughter Pam Abney were friends and classmates at Jefferson High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kivioja family during this difficult time.

Alice Anderson

November 20, 2014

I knew Lassi Kivioja from the Lafayette Exchange Club...he was a long-time member and also may have served as a Club Officer in the past...he will be missed by all of us in the Exchange Club. My condolences to his wife Emily and children/grandchildren, also other relatives in Finland. He was interested in the Salvation Army because his father, a Pastor, had been involved in the Finland Salvation Army. May he rest in peace...

Abi Huskins

November 20, 2014

What a precious tribute to a remarkable man! May God be near you and comfort you all with His deep and strong love!
xox abi, Jordan, Ian and Ivan

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