Arthur Frank Saari, MD, FCCP

Born February 14, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan, he was the only child of Aili (Leivo) and Arne Arthur Saarijarvi “Saari.” While his father was born in Minnesota and his mother in Marquette, they were both of Finnish origin and he was extremely proud of his heritage. His parents brought him to the Upper Peninsula, “God’s Country,” when they moved to Marquette around 1955.

He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1971 and received his BS in Chemistry from Michigan Technological University in 1974, finishing in three years. He never got less than an A in class and often joked that he should have stayed and just enjoyed college life for the remaining year of his scholarship. He married his high school sweetheart, Paula (Wilson), in 1974. Pursuing his professional dream of practicing medicine, he obtained his MD from the University of Michigan in 1978 and went on to complete his residency and fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA.

Art was Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. He never wanted to stop learning, and he shared with his peers that desire to learn, to help and to treat every patient compassionately. He was a brilliant, dedicated physician who genuinely cared and touched the lives of countless patients and their families.

While in Boston for several years, after he and Paula had three children; Aliisa, Andrew and Nathan, there was a draw to come back home to Marquette to be closer to family. They made the move in 1982, and he joined a local medical practice as a pulmonologist. It was here that he felt most comfortable and spent over 40 years caring for his patients. This desire to serve the people of his community–whether or not they were his patients–led him to be a valuable member of the Marquette County Board of Health for many years, the Marquette County Exchange Club, the Marquette-Alger County Medical Society, and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Art enjoyed every season outdoors. Even on the darkest, coldest winter day during a blizzard, his cheerful comment would be, “It’s so beautiful outside.” He enjoyed snow removal, gardening, and toiling at his beloved camp on Lake Independence. Being at camp without him will never be the same. He leaves a void in our lives, but we are left with the priceless memories of projects, adventures, travels, and time spent together.

Art was a giver and a caretaker. He worked tirelessly to show his family and friends love and to bring joy and laughter to his six granddaughters or whoever was around him. He loved telling jokes and stories and was good at it. He never lost his playful spirit, as his grandchildren can attest. He lived by the saying, “growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional.” Art was a lionheart, weathering more than a few storms in life. He appreciated every day and as we mourn him, we are reminded to live each day for the gift it is.

Art was a loving husband, son, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, Papa (grandfather) and friend. We are so thankful that our family was able to spend quality time with Dad/Papa in the days and weeks before his passing. He was well aware of the depth of love surrounding him. It was a great blessing to be able to hug him, to make future plans for his family, to comfort him in his times of suffering, to laugh in times of clarity, and to reassure him he was not alone in his journey.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Nathan, his parents Aili and Arthur Saari, his in-laws Bernice and George Wilson, Jr. MD, and the family’s adopted uncle, Edward Dimock of Boston, MA.

Art leaves behind his loving wife of 49 ¢ years, Paula; a daughter, Aliisa (Chad) Wasserman and their daughters, Maile, Mariella and Malina of Hilo, HI; a son, Andrew and his daughters, Dylan, Emersyn and Harper of Bannockburn, IL; brother-in-law, Dean Wilson of Skandia, MI; nephew, Clayton (Maggie) Wilson; sister-in-law, Polly Beach and her partner, Sue Lundquist of Ashland, OR; brother-in-law, George (Catherine) Wilson III and their daughters, Rebecca and Sarah. Many close friends and colleagues throughout the country join the family in mourning.

While we feel this great loss, we can also celebrate the life of this man who lived with great passion and integrity.

“The lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation; my stronghold” – Psalm 18:2

The family will receive family and friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 6, with visitation from 10:30-1:00 pm, followed by a service at 1:00 pm, officiated by Reverend Chad Ott. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church; 1700 West Fair Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855 or the Upper Peninsula Health Education Corporation; 850 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855 (please put in memo line “George Wilson Scholarship”).

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.