Reuben Savolainen

Reuben John Savolainen

Reuben John Savolainen, 94, took his last breath on earth on Sunday, April 12, 2015. He was born to Jafet and Eliina (Sikkila) Savolainen on September 18, 1920 in Nashwauk. His early years were spent with his parents and 9 siblings farming, peddling milk, and enjoying the outdoors. During the Depression he worked at the Day Lake CC Camp. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during WW II in the South Pacific. Reuben married Ellen Lee on June 30, 1946 in Nashwauk. He worked in the local mines, retiring after 35 years from Butler Brothers and M. A. Hanna. He then worked six years at Hibbing Taconite. Their cabin at Swan Lake was a haven for fun for generations of his family and extended family. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, berry picking, cutting wood, telling jokes, and sitting around the campfire. Reuben was a member of the Nashwauk United Methodist Church, Pengilly VFW and the Nashwauk American Legion.

He leaves behind his love of 68 years, Ellen, sons, Ray (Suzanne); David (Carol); daughters, Joen (Denny) Blomberg, Jill (Tim) Carruth; daughter-in-law, Georgene (Bruce Gustin) Savolainen. He cherished his grandchildren who will serve as his casketbearers. Craig, Adam, Jeff, Eric, and Micki Savolainen, Tyge and Brian Blomberg, Timmy and Travis Carruth, Amy Campbell, and Amanda Oswald. He adored his eleven great-grandchildren: Ethan, Eli, Zach, Adalyn and Grayson Savolainen, Katie, RJ, and George Campbell, and Jafet, Lark and Aven Blomberg. Many nieces, nephews, and friends will also miss him. Reuben was preceded in death by his parents, son, Todd; grandson, Anthony Carruth, brothers, Wayne, Charlie, Harry, Vern, Voit, Henry, and Bill; sisters, Lillian Dasovich & Ingrid Riley.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am., Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in the Nashwauk United Methodist Church with The Rev. Dawn Hauser officiating. Visitation will be in Church for one hour before the service. Burial will be in the Nashwauk Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Pengilly VFW and the Nashwauk American Legion. Reuben leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loving, having fun, and enjoying life. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to donor’s choice. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home.