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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
The Bluff’s Houghton resident, Ray Saarinen, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024, at UP Health System-Portage following a short illness.
Ray was born in Pelkie on March 7, 1933, the son of the late Oliver and Hilda Saarinen. He was a graduate of Hancock High School, class of 1951. After graduation, Ray joined the Navy and served four years before returning to the Copper Country and marrying the love of his life, Marilyn, on July 30, 1955. They eventually settled in Chassell and raised three daughters. After his retirement from Michigan Tech, he and Marilyn traveled the country in their fifth wheel visiting their grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his wife, Marilyn, his parents, his brothers Harold (Dimmer) and Jerome (Jay), his sister Corrine, and his grandson Joshua Saarinen.
He is survived by his daughters Kim (Steve) Piggott of Deland, Florida, Susie (Blake) Haralson of West End, North Carolina and Lynn (Sue) Saarinen of Deland, Florida, his grandchildren Jessica (Aaron) and Justin (Loree), his great grandchildren Liam (Becca), Riley, Owen and Kendra, and great great grandson Easton, all of California.
He is also survived by his brother Robert (Bob) of Hancock and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was an amazing accordion player and was well known throughout the Copper Country for his talents. Ray and his good friend Bernie Destrampe played their music all around the Copper Country for many years. They could sure fill up a dance floor!
Ray will be missed and remembered by everyone that knew him. He lived a full and happy 91 years of life. He used to say not too many people get the opportunity to live this long.
There will be a small family burial service at the Forest Hill Cemetery where he will rest with his wife, Marilyn and Grandson Josh.
To view Ray’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
