Former mayor of Riihimäki Seppo Keskiruokanen has died

Seppo Keskiruokanen, former mayor of Riihimäki, has died. He died in an accident on May 3, 2025. Keskiruokanen was 73 years old when he died.

Keskiruokanen had a long, 32-year career in the service of the City of Riihimäki. He started as Deputy Mayor in 1984 and was elected Mayor in 2000. Keskiruokanen served in his position until November 2016, when he retired.

Keskiruoka was missed by his wife Marjatta Keskiruokanen and his son Markus Keskiruokanen.

The City of Riihimäki shares in the grief of his family and loved ones. Keskiruokanen will be laid to rest on August 23, 2025, in the presence of his loved ones. The city will fly the mourning flag on the same day in memory of the long-time mayor.

From Doctor of Technology to Mayor

Keskiruokanen was born in Rovaniemi on November 6, 1951. He graduated from Rovaniemi High School in 1970.

Before his position at the City of Riihimäki, Keskiruokanen worked as a planning engineer at the City of Espoo from 1975 to 1983 and as a deputy city engineer at Kouvola from 1983 to 1984.

From 1989 to 1991, he also worked as a special lecturer in social economics at the Helsinki University of Technology, where he had completed all three of his university degrees: in 1976 he graduated as a Master of Science in Engineering, in 1982 as a Licentiate of Technology, and in 1988 as a Doctor of Technology.

17 years of leadership in the City of Riihimäki

The city council elected Keskiruokanen, representing the National Coalition Party, as mayor of Riihimäki after a vote. His opponent was Matti Kuosmanen of the Social Democrats. This began a 17-year term as mayor, during which Riihimäki experienced several significant stages of development.

Keskiruokanen's term included, among other things, the development of the station area with investments in the Atomi shopping center, renovation projects for Riihimäki schools and upper secondary school, and various industrial policy projects, such as the construction of the Valio roundabout.

Active organizational player

Keskiruokanen held numerous positions of trust throughout his career, which speaks to his great passion for social impact and developing his environment.

Over the years, he served as chairman, vice chairman or board member in many organizations, including Hyria Education Oy, RHL-Data Oy, Eränet Oy, Hämeen Liito, Riihimäen Messut Oy, Finnish Population Protection Organization and Riihimäen Tilat ja Kehitys Oy. Keskiruokanen generally held several different positions of trust simultaneously.

Keskiruokanen's activism and development work also garnered recognition. He was awarded the 1st Class Medal of Merit for Civil Protection in 1991 and the 2003st Class Knight's Badge of the Order of the Finnish Lion (SL RI) in 90. In addition, at the 2010th anniversary celebration of the Riihimäki Coalition Party in XNUMX, the party board awarded Keskiruokanen the White Lion Badge for his long-term work with the coalition.

Corrected on August 18, 2025: Keskiruokänen's election as mayor was made by the city council, not the city government.