Leonard R. Saarikoski, 76, of Gheen passed away at his residence on Sunday March 8, 2009. He was born on Oct. 10, 1932 in Floodwood to Laurie and Mayme (Simi) Saarikoski. He grew up and lived on the family homestead in Gheen his entire life. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict, serving in Korea from 1954 to 1955. Leonard married Donna Odella on September 12, 1958 in Bear River. They raised beef cattle on their farm and Leonard logged with his brother John. Leonard was employed for U.S. Steel's Minntac Mine for 30 years, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the former Greaney American Legion , Cook VFW, and the Orr American Legion. He loved to pick balsam bows, and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He cut firewood, and his daughters fondly remember that he insisted on stacking perfect piles of fire wood – no leaning or bends in the rows. They also recall, with smiles, his yearly vegetable gardens, which always had to include tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Donna Saarikoski on July 27, 2005 and 1 brother John Saarikoski on May 12, 2006.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM. Thursday at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Rev. Arthur Dale will be the officiant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The casket bearers will be: Bob Johnson, Travis Wuori, Clay Nukala Jr., James Saarikoski, Tim Pogorels and Jamey Saarikoski. The honorary bearers will be: Dan Saarikoski, Larry Maroste, Merle Olson, Gary Buotto, George Paavala, Jason Paavala and Dave Pettinelli. Military honors will be accorded by the combined honor guards of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757 and Orr American Legion Post #480. Interment will be in the Willow Valley Township Cemetery.