Rev James E. Keurulainen

The Reverend James Emil Keurulainen, former pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dedham, died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth, New Hampshire.  He was 67.  James was born May 9, 1947 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, a son of Toivo John and Miriam (Maki) Keurulainen.  He earned his Bachelor degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois.  Reverend Keurulainen served as the Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church for 20 years.  He then spent 15 years as the New England District President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod until his retirement two years ago.  He also spent 37 years in prison ministry as the Protestant Chaplain at the Norfolk County House of Correction.  Jim was a former Dedham Little League coach and an avid Boston sports fan.  He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Priscilla D. (Mattson) Keurulainen; his two sons, Scott M., and his wife Melissa Keurulainen of Canton, and Eric J., and his wife Kerri Keurulainen of Walpole; and his brother, Barry, and his wife Andrea Keurulainen of Cabot, Pennsylvania.  Visiting hours will be held Monday form 1-3 and 6-9 PM at St. Luke Luthran Church, 950 East Street, Dedham.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Tuesday at 9:30 AM at St.  Luke Lutheran Church followed by interment in Woodside Cemetery in Westminster, Massachusetts at 1:30 PM.  In lieu of flowers donations to Lutheran Church Charities; Comfort Dog Ministry, 333 West Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101 or to Veterans of the Cross – LCMS, PO Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166 or to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 950 East Street, Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.