Obituary of Donald Arne Saari

Donald Arne Saari, 98, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital as a result of a fall while residing in Chris Jensen Nursing Home. Born in Superior, Wis., on May 17, 1917 to Finnish immigrant parents, Frank and Selma (Walinen) Saari, his early school years were spent learning English. He graduated from Superior Central High School in 1935. Holding pin-setting jobs at bowling alleys during his teenage years, he became a competitive bowler and was inducted into the Superior Bowling Hall of Fame in 1993. He married Lorraine Hammerbeck in 1941 and they had a family of four children. During their growing-up years, he worked as a salesman and as an independent contractor for Zinsmaster selling bread throughout the rural towns of Douglas County, Wis. He then switched to work as a route salesman for Duluth Laundry retiring in 1979. In 1972, he married Delores Brubaker and enjoyed trips with the Teamster's club and a special trip to Finland to meet all the relatives. He enjoyed woodworking and creating many crafts that were sold at various club functions. He was proud of a golf achievement also: a hole-in-one at Pattison Golf Course in Superior. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Toivo "Toik", and wife Delores. He is survived by his children: Rev. Ron (Priscilla) Saari, Ray (Cindy) Saari, Janet (Mark) Wilkens, and Jane (Dr. Ian) Cameron; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two nephews and their respective families. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 in 1st Memorial Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200