Everett R. Saatela

Everett R. Saatela, 93, lifelong resident of Orr, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2015, at Carefree Living in Orr.

He was born on December 3, 1921, in Leiding Township, to Everett Sr. and Lillian (Lehto) Saatela. Everett was a proud lifelong resident of the Orr area. He faithfully served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II serving in the Asiatic-Pacific theatre of operations. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Orr where he owned and operated a mechanic shop. His strong work ethic led him to operate his own truck, hauling pulpwood for many years. He married Delores Peterson on July 9, 1949, in Virginia. The couple made their home on Moose Lake Hill in Orr, where they raised their children. He was a 49er for Ulland Brother's Construction, where he worked on their hot mix plant. He later drove truck for George Luecken Logging until his retirement. Everett was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr and a dedicated 60 year member of the Orr American Legion. When he wasn't working he was " working" and tinkering in his garage. Earlier he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family, and delighted in a good game of cribbage. Everyone will remember his smile, big heart and always positive attitude. He was a "jokester" who put all at ease with his wit and humor. He will be dearly missed by family, friends, and all who came to know him.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Delores on February 14, 2003; 1 sister, Arlene Abrahamson; and daughter-in-law, Jean Saatela.

Everett is survived by 1 son, Terrance "Terry" Saatela of Iron; 2 daughters, Debra "Debbie" (Randy) Schouviller of Circle Pines, MN and Sherri (Mitch) Shoen of Chisholm; 6 Grandchildren, Thomas (Oxana) Saatela, Michael (Bridget) Schouviller, Kristin (Matthew) Honold, Joshua Shoen, Amanda Shoen and, Devon (fiancé Jamie) Shopp 7 Great Grandchildren, Landen, Natalie, Grace, Julian, Hunter, Grayson and Ethan; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Arvilla of Cook, and a cousin, Edwin Nelson of International Falls; along with nieces, nephews, and many friends.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, (July 23rd) at Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Wednesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook and will continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Rev. Joey "pj" Bailey will be the officiant. The casket bearers will be the grandchildren: Michael Schouviller, Kristin, Honold, Joshua Shoen, Amanda Shoen, Devon Shopp, and great-grandson, Hunter Shopp. The honorary bearers will be Thomas Saatela, Jim Holman and John Abrahamson. Military honors will be accorded by the combined honor guards of the Orr American Legion Post #480 and the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757. Interment will follow in the Leiding Cemetery of Orr. A reception in Everett's honor will follow in the social hall at Calvary Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. To sign the online guest book, or send a condolence to the family go to: www.mlakerfuneralhome.com