Toivo Savonen

Toivo Savonen, 86, passed away July 9, 2014.

Toivo was born in Ironwood, Mich., to the late Onnie and Ida Savonen. He grew up on a small farm and helped with chores, working with his grandpa. After high school he went to work in a foundry in Muskegon. He married Bertha Peltomaki on Feb. 11, 1950.

Toivo helped start the White Pine Copper Co. plant and worked in the underground mine for a short time.

In November of 1955 Toivo and Bertha moved to Silver Bay Minn., to work for Reserve Mining Co. where he did welding for 17 years and he was the foreman for 13 years.

Toivo was a member of Sychar Lutheran Church, the North Shore Ski Club and Sierra Club Nature Conservancy. He was one of the founding members of the Superior Hiking Club and Northwoods Ski Trail, volunteering countless hours on the trails.

Toivo is survived by his wife, Bertha of 64 years; five children, John, Loren, Darlene (Rod) Nelson, Tina and Linda; grandchildren, LeAnne, Brian, Shawn and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Aidan, Oliver and Evelyn; and one sister, Helen Deflice.

Toivo's wish would be for everyone to spend time enjoying nature as he did.

Private family services have been held.

The Cremation Service of Minnesota assisted the family with arrangements.