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Paul spent his childhood in Rutland, Massachusetts, within a close-knit Finnish Lutheran community of family, neighbors and lifelong friends. Rutland shaped him in every way. As a boy and teenager, he seemed to know everyone in town — first as a paperboy delivering to countless doorsteps, then behind the counter at the local soda shop, mowing lawns around town, later working at the state sanatorium, and even serving as a volunteer fireman. Those early years gave him a deep sense of belonging and a lifetime of stories. His clever wit, love of conversation, natural ability with numbers and fascination with cars were already well-formed traits that remained central to who he was.
After graduating from Wachusett Regional High School, Paul served as a U.S. Air Force non-Morse intercept operator. He was stationed at RAF Chicksands in England, where he monitored non-Morse communications and enjoyed driving his Morris Minor through the English countryside.
Paul married Valma Toristoja on Nov. 14, 1964, in Longview, Washington, after dating her before and during his military service. Following a brief time in Michigan, they settled in Portland, Oregon, near Val’s family, where their children were born.
Paul spent his career working as a purchasing agent for building supply businesses in Oregon and Washington. Known for his remarkable memory and skill with numbers, he managed inventory with precision — often relying more on recall than paperwork. He later graduated from Mount Hood Community College in 1976. When asked about his major, he’d joke, “I learned how to register for college.”
With his background in building supplies, Paul amassed an impressive collection of power tools and taught himself woodworking. After moving to Woodinville, Washington, Paul and Val became active members of Alderwood Manor Community Church, participating in choir, bell choir and the missions team. In Woodinville and later in Chehalis, Paul could often be found in the garage with his tools or outdoors mowing, hauling, building and improving — usually with his John Deere tractor nearby.
Paul’s love of cars was legendary within his family. Road trips became rolling lessons in mileage, license plate patterns and highway systems. His extraordinary memory for dates and birthdays extended to friends, colleagues and relatives alike, always delivered with perfect timing and a grin. Travel remained a shared joy for Paul and Val, including many mission trips, cruises, and trips to Disneyland, Alaska, Hawaii and Australia, as well as regular visits back to Massachusetts to see family and the lifelong friends who remained so important to him.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Pelton; his brother, Michael Rasku; and a special dog, Jack. He is survived by his wife, Val Rasku; daughter, Kris (Dave) Loukusa; son, Kevin (Tammy) Rasku; grandchildren, Kaari Loukusa, Briana Rasku, Emma Rasku and Jordan Loukusa; great-grandchild, Elliott Loukusa Erickson; siblings, Bill (Lisa) Rasku, Lois Chinigo and Evy (Gary) Ramos; numerous cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. March 28, 2026, at Grace Church Chehalis, 1866 S. Market St., Chehalis, Washington 98532. The service will be livestreamed at www.gracechehalis.com in the Online Church section; select “Live” for the YouTube broadcast.
