Asko “Whitey” Ruuska, 73, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at his residence.

He was born on Oct. 31, 1938, in Haapajarvi, Finland, to Vaino and Hilja (Jussila) Ruuska. On Feb. 24, 1962, he married Dorothy Elaine Johnson in Milwaukee, Wisc., who survives.

He owned and operated SISU (An aviation repair service) Services from 1985 until retiring in 2007. He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran attaining the rank of E-5. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Middlebury.

He is survived by his wife: Dorothy “Dot” Ruuska, Syracuse; a daughter: Laura (Luke) Snow, Mesa, Ariz.; a son: Eric (Elizabeth) Ruuska, Rensselaer, Ind.; nine grandchildren; a brother: Eero Ruuska, Cook, Minn.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, a brother and his parents.

Calling will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Middlebury. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Randy Schroder officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to IU Goshen Center for Cancer Care or the Church.

Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse is handling the arrangements.