Obituary of Richard L. Saukko

Richard Saukko died peacefully in his home in Duluth on November 2, 2021, at age 70. 

He  is survived by wife Jane (Kinnunen) Saukko, children Ben (Annie) Saukko, Lindsey (Edward Downs) Saukko and Michael (Kelly) Saukko, and stepchildren Sara (Chris Anderson) Modec, Reva (Hans) Wronka and Serina (Chris) Modec-Halverson. He had 16 grandchildren including Joza, Lucy, Gus, Cecelia, Anya, Zoe, Casper, Odin, Summer, Anselm, Charlie, Siri, Nyneve, Dorthea, Teddy and Ivy. He is also survived by his sister Leone (Millard) Kendrick and sister Anni (Mike) Knutson and preceded in death by his parents Oiva and Irene and his brother Larry. 

Richard graduated from Eveleth in 1969, received a BA in fine arts and applied arts from UMD in 1976 and a master’s in fine arts from UWS in 1991.  He was was an accomplished artist and educator with  a long career teaching in the local public schools and later at Mesabi Community College. He was known for his quick wit, strong work ethic, generosity and kindness.  

Visitation (2-4pm) and funeral (4-5pm) will be held at United in Christ Lutheran Church at 201 Station 44 Rd in Eveleth on Sat, Nov. 13 with food and fellowship to follow.