Carl Richard Saari

Richard was born on September 13, 1937 at the family home in Trenary, the son of Armour and Ella (Salo) Saari. He attended school in Trenary, worked on the family farm and then worked at American Motors for a time. In the 1960’s, he began his career working on both Great Lakes and deep sea water ships. He worked as an oiler/engine man and conveyor man on the boats. During that time, he traveled all over the world. He enjoyed sharing stories of the many places he had visited. He retired from the boats in July 1993.

Richard enjoyed hunting, photography, watching old Western movies, listening to country music oldies and his former neighbor, Elmer Aho, on the radio. He was a long time member of the Seafarers and National Maritime Unions, Moose Lodge, Legion, Amvets and Lions Club for several years.

Richard is survived by numerous cousins of the Saari, Niemi, Rinnemaki and Aho families, and Salo relatives in Finland. He is also survived by special friend, Donna Marchak and many other friends.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans for the wonderful care provided to Richard over the past several years.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 11 from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Memorial services will follow at 3:00 PM. Richard will be laid to rest at the family lot at the Mathias Township Cemetery.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhome.com.