Raymond Edward Yrttimaa, 85, of Arnold, died at his home on March 12, 2010 after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Yrttimaa was born on September 6, 1924 to his parents, Isaac and Alice (Blitz) Yrttimaa. Born and raised in Baltimore, Mr. Yrttimaa attended Patterson Park High School. He later served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a radio operator aboard the USS Incredible, an Admirable-class minesweeper. Mr. Yrttimaa graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and was employed by Western Electric, where he retired after over 30 years of service.

Mr. Yrttimaa was a founding member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, as well as, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Glen Burnie, the Finlandia Foundation of Baltimore, and the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry in Baltimore. He enjoyed fixing things around the house, reading, and being with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Anna Margaret (nee: Erickson) Yrttimaa; his daughters, Valeria Yrttimaa Levin of Arnold and M. Christine Price of Aiken, SC; his grandchildren, Erik, Kara, Gunnar, Victor, August, and Hannah; his aunt, Velma Salmi of Jessup, GA; as well as, numerous relatives in Finland.

Friends may visit at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 from 11am-12:00pm. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon with the interment to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Baltimore. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake 445 Defense Hwy. Annapolis, MD 21401 or to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church 400 Benfield Rd. Severna Park, MD 21146.

****The family will be hosting a reception on Tuesday at 3:00pm at the Yrttimaa home in Arnold.****