WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Roy W. Saari, 77, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, died on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Wakefield.

Roy was born on Jan. 3, 1948, in Ironwood, a son of the late John Emil and Elma (Harju) Saari. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1966 and Gogebic Community College in 1968 with an Associate of Business degree.

Roy was married to Mary Jean Grambow on July 20, 1974, by the Rev. Arnold Grambow (Mary's brother) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield.

Roy was employed by White Pine Copper Mine as an expediter and by Superior American Homes. He later worked for the Gogebic County Road Commission, from which he retired after 28 years. He was the National Ski Patrol Director at Indianhead Mountain and a member of the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department for more than 40 years. Roy was a first responder, and at one time worked for Beacon Ambulance and Alert Ambulance. In his free time, he was a drywaller.

He especially enjoyed following the Chicago Bears.

Roy is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Jason (Shannon), Helena, Montana; a daughter, Megan (Jim) Maki, Gladstone; seven grandchildren, Jeremiah, Kaelyn, Lincoln, Mack and Nash Saari, and Carly and Landon Maki; and other loving relatives.

A graveside service will be on Friday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield. The Rev. Christian Flagstadt will officiate.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.