Ishpeming - Robert C. "Bob" Saari, 82, a lifelong resident of Ishpeming, died on Monday, January 4, 2010 at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming where he had resided since October 23, 2009. He was affectionately known as "Poor Ole Bob Saari" and "Poor Ole Grandpa Saari".

He was born on June 3, 1927 in North Lake Location, to Gust and Mary (Niemala) Saari, and attended the North Lake School and Ishpeming High School. He was very proud of the Saari family and name.

Mr. Saari started work at age 14 delivering groceries for K. Rosberg and Sons. He then worked for Hewitt Grocery as a wholesale delivery man. He started his mining career at the Lloyd Mine doing various jobs underground. He then worked at the Cambria Jackson Mine, the Mather "A" Mine, Bunker Hill Mine, Maas Mine, Old Negaunee Mine, and he finally ended his underground mining jobs at the Mather "B" Mine.
Bob was also a Veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean War.

He worked for Pajula and Maki as a cement truck driver before going to work for CCI and the Humboldt Mine, and finally the Tilden Mine as a shovel operator, where he retired in August, 1990. Bob was a very hard worker and worked many double shifts in his lifetime. He had a hard time staying retired, so he then worked for the V.F.W. in Ishpeming as a maintenance guy until 2004.

Bob was a staunch Democrat and was very involved in the Steelworkers Local 4974 Union. He was Recording Secretary and President, and involved in various committees. He was a great arguer and did a lot to help miners with job security and rights.

Mr. Saari married Martha (Roine) Saari on August 21, 1954. They had two children, Robert K. Saari, 53, of Chicago, IL, and Debbie (Saari) Dean, 51, of Wheeling, IL, and a grandson, Anthony Dean, 14 of Wheeling, IL. Bob and Martha made countless trips to Illinois to visit their children and grandson. They were very devoted to their family and adored their grandson. Bob helped family and friends out in many ways and did it from the heart, not expecting anything in return. He was an extremely generous man. He loved music, especially country music. He was a good singer and had a great rendition of "Misty".

Surviving are his son and daughter, Robert K. Saari and Debbie Dean, and his grandson Anthony Dean. Also surviving is a sister, Bertha Eliassen and a sister-in-law Shirley (Roine) Tyni, both of Ishpeming, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha, his parents, Gust and Mary Saari, siblings Hattie Rytkonen, Rudy Saari, Eleanor Darrow, Adolph Saari, Ruth "Babe" Ernell, and Paul Saari. Also, his mother and father-in-law Lempi and Valentine Roine, many brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles, and a son-in-law Bill Dean.

Bob was blessed to have such good people in his life during the course of his illness. Bob considered Sam Tasson, his lifetime friend, and Shirley Tyni, his sister-in-law like gold. U.P. Home Health and Hospice were with him from the start of his illness until the end in various capacities, and he and his family appreciated so much the wonderful care and treatment that he received. They valued the care and special attention that he received at the Mather Nursing Center, and Bob enjoyed his dinners with Ron Lovel. Bob had a great sense of humor throughout it all and loved to make people laugh.

Bob was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Bob enjoyed his conversations with Pastor Maki during the last part of his life. A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 333 E. Ridge St. in Ishpeming on Friday, January 8. The family will greet friends and family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in memory of Bob.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 & Ishpeming V.F.W. will conduct Military honors at the conclusion of the memorial service.

Bob's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guestbook may be signed.