Perttu Laakso

Perttu “Pepe” Laakso, 64 of Tower Lakes, IL, passed away March 12, 2019. Perttu was born in Tower Lakes, IL to Toni and Perttu. He is survived by his wife Betsy, two amazing daughters, Anne and Maggie, as well as his mother, Toni, and sister, Liisa Laakso Jawed (Jerry), and sister-in-law Judy (Jan). He is preceded in death by his father, Perttu, and brother, Jan.

He grew up spending summers at Tower Lakes and traveling to Finland regularly. He later attended Washington University in St. Louis, and spent two years studying in Germany, where he was able to travel around Europe. For almost 29 years, Perttu was employed by Navistar in Niles, IL.

In 1990, he married Betsy Nykaza. Together they lived in Elmhurst for several years before moving back to Tower Lakes where they raised two daughters, Anne Elizabeth and Margaret Ren. Perttu loved spending time with his family and sharing his Finnish heritage with Betsy and the girls. He especially enjoyed watching Maggie’s dance recitals and in recent months, he enjoyed helping Anne with her college search. He also enjoyed playing with ours dogs and puppies through the years.

Perttu was intrinsically social, and a conversationalist. He was an avid reader and was always able to recommend a book on any topic. Deep, meaningful conversation about almost any subject were his specialty. He had a quirky sense of humor and was able to put an amusing twist on almost any situation. His remarkable presence added to the mood of any event he attended. He was an outstanding friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was an adoring father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Memorial visitation will begin at 12pm until the memorial service at 4pm, Saturday, March 23 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St. (Lake-Cook), Barrington.

In lieu of flowers a trust fund has been established for Perttu's children.  Checks may be made payable to Elizabeth Laakso with the subject line c/o Anne and Margaret Laakso.