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ELO
Ann Saari, age 87, a resident of Elo, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2017, after a lengthy illness.
She was born in Atlantic Mine on December 28, 1929, the daughter of Arthur and Anna (Keranen) Jurva. She worked at J.J. Newberry’s in Houghton after graduating from Jeffers High School in 1947.
Ann married Ernie Saari in 1948, and moved to the Saari farm in Elo. In addition to milking cows and making hay with Ernie on the farm, she obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and did home care for many years. Ernie and Ann worked as partners in various endeavors including operating a successful welding and saw shop in Elo, and being janitors at their church, Mission United Lutheran in Pelkie. She was an active member of the church and was a Sunday School teacher, Church Council representative, and belonged to the various Women’s Circles. She enjoyed working outdoors and took special pride in her flower gardens. She was the “on-call” barber in the area and gave haircuts to friends in the neighborhood.
She was always kind, gracious and compassionate.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie; her parents; a sister, Signe Peterson of Atlantic Mine; a brother, Reuben of Elo; and special family members, Arlie Peterson, Elmi Jurva, Elmer and Eeva Saari, Eino Saari, Ray and Ellen Mannisto, Arne and Joann Masters, Ken and Sanelma Repola, Edwin and Dagmer Perander, Hugo and Esther Piippo, and Norman and Sylvia Ruuspakka.
She is survived by her son, James of Elo; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
During her lengthy illness she appreciated the wonderful care that she received from staff at the Baraga County Memorial Hospital and Bayside Village, and they became her adopted family.
Funeral services for Ann will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017, at Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie, with Pastor Bucky Beach to officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday in the church. Burial will be in the Elo Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.
