Roger Allen Saamanen, 79, formerly of Two Harbors, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023 while surrounded by loved ones at his home in Superior.
Roger was born on December 19, 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio to Jean and Arne Saamanen. The family moved to the Clover Valley area when Roger was in elementary school, and he graduated from Clover Valley High School in 1962. After graduation, Roger decided to enlist in the US Navy.
He served on the USS Rowan and later in Da Nang, Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Minnesota where he met his eventual wife, Kathie. The couple married on July 12, 1969 and eventually had 4 children and 9 grandchildren. His career had many paths including: Reserve Mining, working in sales, and as a long distance truck driver, where he traveled the country. He was a proud Vietnam veteran and was a member of the Two Harbors American Legion. His greatest job was as Dad and Pop Pop.
Roger enjoyed camping, visiting with friends, traveling, and the Minnesota Vikings. In recent years he’d learned how to text with the help of his grandchildren, and sent many funny messages with plenty of emojis. He was a kind, gentle, funny man who never met a stranger. He loved his family, friends, and making people laugh. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandchildren, Miles and Julia Saamanen.
Roger is survived by his wife, Kathie; children: Cassandra (Kevin) Beardsley, Michelle (Derek McRae) Carlson, Nathaniel (Renee) Saamanen, and Larissa (Derek) Hubbartt; grandchildren: Maddy and Morgan Beardsley, Autumn (Aaron Axford) and Zane Carlson, Jossy and Olivia Saamanen, and Anthony Hubbartt; a brother, Gary (Joanne) Saamanen; sister-in-law, Joan Gelineau (Bill Fox); and nephews: Ryan (Jaci) Saamanen, Aaron (Missy) Gelineau, Adam (Jennifer) Gelineau, and Lee (Ivy Nelson) Gelineau; and many good friends.
The family extends their thanks to the excellent care that Roger received over the years from the care teams at Lake View, St Luke’s, and St Luke’s Hospice. Thanks to them, we had an additional 30 years with him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM on Friday, October 20, 2023 at the American Legion in Two Harbors.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
