Jacob Saari

Biography

Jacob Edward Saari
1921 ~ 2014
Jacob Edward Saari was born in the Finnish settlement of Eben Junction in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on February 7, 1921. He died in Logan, Utah at the age of 93 on September 15, 2014.

Jacob was the sixth of fifteen children and the first living son of Finnish immigrants Jaakko Saari and Lydia Overmark Saari. He was raised in the Upper Peninsula communities of Rumely and Gwinn, and he wrote about those years in a reminiscence entitled “A Boy Remembers, As A Man.” He learned to ski soon after learning to walk and one of his favorite sports during those years was ski-jumping, which he described thusly: “the sensation is the closest thing to actually taking flight.” Always a good student, he graduated from Gwinn High School in 1939. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and participated in many work projects in the Upper Peninsula. Like every member of the CCC, he kept five dollars of his monthly salary and the remaining twenty-five dollars was sent to his parents for the benefit of his family.

Later, following in the footsteps of his father and so many other men in his community, he worked in the iron ore mines. His view of his future changed on December 7, 1941 and he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps that New Year’s Eve. He was assigned to the “forgotten theater,” the CBI, in China-Burma-India. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant and completed his enlistment in the jungles of Burma. Discharged in November 1945, he returned to Michigan and again worked in the mines until a fortunate opportunity appeared: delivering a new automobile to the purchaser in Southern California. As difficult as it was to leave the area where he was born and raised, after seeing the magic that was Southern California in those days, he relocated to the land of sunshine and palm trees and stayed for 36 years. His three children from his first marriage to Jeanne Marlar were born there. He retired from McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft (now Boeing) in 1983 and moved to Bountiful, Utah in 1984 with his second wife, Norma Plyler, who died in 1994. They enjoyed each other, their home, their yard, their neighbors, their church family, and traveling. He was also able to indulge his fondness for skiing, which ended only because he tore his rotator cuff while skiing at Alta in celebration of his 80th birthday.

He had varied interests and became quite accomplished at each: golf, camping, fishing, golf, bowling, archery, golf, photography, baking, ice-dancing, and golf. He shared his golf tips with anyone who asked, and some who didn’t, and was regarded by all of them as an excellent coach who improved their game.

Jacob is remembered fondly by his family members in Finland as the first American cousin of his generation who traveled to visit them. They enjoyed comparing and contrasting the fabric of their lives, and he was humbled and honored by their fine hospitality. Those hours and days were some of his fondest memories. He developed lasting relationships with all who welcomed him in Finland, especially his cousin Anita Overmark who held a special place in his heart.
He moved to Logan in 2010 and resided at Williamsburg Retirement Community for two years, enjoying many new acquaintances and friendships and especially the banana bread baked by the kitchen staff. He attended the Logan First Presbyterian church and also the ecumenical services offered at Williamsburg.

Jacob was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Elvi, Ida, Veino, Helen, Aune, Ruth, Mary, Eileen, Verna, Nancy; brother Elmer; his wife Norma. He is survived by sister Mavis (Phil) Carlson of Negaunee, Michigan and brother Ray (Marilyn) Saari of Jackson, Michigan; many nieces, nephews and cousins; daughters Annis and Vicki, and son Brett; grandchildren Tobi, Brett (Natalie), Jennifer and Ashley; eleven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to any organization which benefits animals.
Services will be conducted at Russon Brothers Mortuary (295 North Main St) in Bountiful on Monday, September 22. A viewing is scheduled from 12:45 – 1:45pm; a 2pm service with The Reverend Neal Humphrey of Mountain Road Church (formerly Westminster Presbyterian Church) presiding, followed by a military honors graveside at the Bountiful City Cemetary (2224 South 200 West).
Please join the family as their guests for a meal afterward, at a nearby location to be determined that day.

Funeral Service

Monday September 22, 2014, 2:00 at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary
Click for Map and Directions