Roy E. Saari, 85, of Tomahawk, passed away Monday, August 6, 2018 at his daughter’s home under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.
Roy was born August 27, 1932 in Palmer, Michigan, son of the late Emil and Hulda (Eckloff) Saari. He married Karen H. Peterson on August 18, 1956 in Chicago. She preceded him on July 29, 2014. Roy was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He served with the 45th infantry and was honorably discharged on September 29, 1954. Roy worked at Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company in Michigan for over 30 years and retired in 1984. Roy and Karen spent their winters at their residence in Oro Valley, Arizona and spent summers on Beaver Lake in the Tomahawk area. Roy enjoyed golfing and golfed until September 2016. He also enjoyed taking daily 10 mile bike rides while in Arizona and swimming.
Survivors include his daughters, Debbie (Kevin) Wickstrom of Tomahawk and Pam (James) Reed of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; his special friend, Kathy Weisinger of Tomahawk; five grandchildren, Heidi (Chris) Brazee, Erik (Stephanie) Wickstrom, Timothy Koski (Tracy Hyatt), Andrew Koski, Jackson Reed; great-grandchildren, Logan Wickstrom, Brayden Wickstrom and Colton Koski; step grandchildren, Greg (Meg) Reed and Jonathan (Jen) Reed; brother, Robert (Helen) Saari of Marquette, Michigan; and nieces and nephews. Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; parents, Emil and Hulda Saari; sisters, Gertrude (Geno) Columbo and Dorothy (Joe) Longtime; and nephew, Bruce Longtime.
The funeral service for Roy will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 10, 2018 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Entombment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum with graveside military rites conducted by Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com