Jeffrey Charles Altonen

            It is with great sadness that the family of Jeffrey Charles Altonen announces his passing after a brief illness on May 20th, 2019 at the age of 54 years. Jeffrey Altonen, of Lakewood, Ohio, was born September 30th, 1964 to Dorothy and Charles Altonen in Melrose Park, Cook County Illinois. Jeffrey, along with his brother Alan Altonen, was raised in the village of Maywood Illinois and graduated from Walther Lutheran High School. Following high school, Jeffrey and his family relocated to Ashtabula, Ohio. Jeffrey attended Baldwin Wallace College and graduated in 1986 with his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Jeffrey continued his education at Cleveland State University to receive his Master’s degree in music. He had an avid career in music throughout his life. Jeffrey preformed with the Cleveland Symphonic Orchestra for a number of years playing the French Horn. He began his career in music education by teaching music with the Cleveland Heights University Heights school district in 1989. He taught both orchestra and band at Monticello Middle School. Jeffrey found great joy in bringing the delight of music to the children of Monticello and was very dedicated to the district, continuing to teach until his death.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his father, Charles Altonen; maternal grandparents, Charles and Nina Halonen; paternal grandparents, Kaarlo and Gertrude Altonen; and uncles, Kenneth Altonen, Martin Halonen, and Charlie Halonen. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Halonen Altonen; brother, Alan Altonen; nieces, Sarah Altonen, Rebekah Altonen, and Rachel Altonen; uncles, Robert (Susan) Altonen and Jon (Sharon) Altonen; and many other cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held in Jeffrey’s honor at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2019. All friends, family, and coworkers are welcome to celebrate the life of Jeffrey Altonen with his family at this time.

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