Age 91, of Plymouth, Michigan.

Mr. Kilponen was born in Ironwood, Michigan to Finnish immigrants John and Olga (nee Rantamaki) Kilponen. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1934, later coming to the Detroit area in 1942.

On November 25, 1938, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Salminen.

Rudolph retired from the FORD Motor Company's Scientific Research Department in 1974. He was a charter member of Salem National Evangelical Lutheran Church. He enjoyed photography, skiing, golfing, loved his family and serving the Lord. He was a man who lived life to its fullest, but most of all, he loved his Lord and his family and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife Elizabeth for 68 years; children
Sandra (Larry) Seltz, Deanna (Jerry) Winter, Roger (Carolyn) Kilponen and Jeffrey Kilponen.
He is the cherished grandfather of 12; great-grandfather of 22;
dear brother of Martha Belmas.

Funeral Monday 11 a.m. (in state 10 a.m.) at Salem National Evangelical Lutheran Church, 32430 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185. Officiant Rev. David Zeuschner, Pastor.

Visitation Sunday 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Avenue, downtown Farmington (1 blk. W. of Farmington Rd.).

Interment Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Finnish Center Assoc., 35200 W. Eight Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48335 or to the Church.

Arrangements by Potti Funeral Directors.