Clifton A. Rautiola

Rautiola, Clifton D.D.S., M.S.
Okemos, MI

Clifton Rautiola died Sunday, November 4, 2007 due to complications
of Shy-Drager syndrome (Multiple System Atrophy). He was born
March 9, 1929, in Hancock, Michigan, the first of six children.

Clifton attended Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. He then entered the University of Michigan Dental School where he earned both Masters of Science and Doctor of Dental Science degrees. He specialized in Periodontics and was a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontics as well as a member of the American Dental Association.

He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from
1955 to 1957. Subsequently he established private practice in Periodontics in Lansing, Michigan from 1958 until 1992. He was the first periodontist in private practice in Michigan.

In his free time, Clifton was an avid gardener and a true “green thumb” who would share his expertise with anyone who was interested. He was a particularly skilled rosarian and had more than 200 thriving rose bushes in his gardens.

When he retired, he and his wife Patricia enjoyed dividing their time between Okemos, Michigan; a lake home in Gaylord, Michigan, and Sanibel Island, Florida, where he could continue his gardening through the winter. Clifton was also an expert downhill skier, an activity he enjoyed to an advanced age. Perhaps his greatest joy came from intellectual pursuits; he was a tireless teacher and a perpetual student of life.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia; his children: Eric (Carol) Rautiola and their children Ruslan and Larissa (Hickory, NC); Kirstin (Gary) Perkins and their children Bryan and Scott (Edina, MN); Katrina (John) Rosculet and their children Nicholas and Natalja (Neenah, WI). He is further survived by five siblings: Lloyd (Lois) Rautiola (Concord, ME); Norman (Sarah-Bina) Rautiola (Montecito, CA); Joyce (Dante) Iacovoni (Bete Grise Bay, MI); Marilyn (Larry) Grover (St. Cloud, MN) and Marlene (John) York (Grosse Pointe Woods, MI). He was preceded in death by parents Arnold and Irene Rautiola.

Clifton was blessed with truly unique intelligence and insight, a gift that he shared with all those around him throughout his life: family, patients, and friends.

Memorial services for Clif will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2007, at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, downtown chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Associated Bank, Clifton Rautiola Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 408, Neenah, WI, 54957, which will be directed to research Shy-Drager syndrome.

We are especially grateful to the wonderful care given to Clif by Mike Mitchell, R.N. (Heartland Hospice); Dr. Curtis Baltz, and all of the caregivers from Valley VNA and Island Shores.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton (920) 739-1231