Roger William Suomi

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Roger William Suomi, 71, went home to the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016.

Roger was born on Feb. 15, 1944, in Wakefield, to the late William and Hulda (Harju) Suomi.

Roger lived in Wakefield most of his life, graduating from Wakefield High School in 1962.  Upon graduation, he worked in Minneapolis and Los Angeles for Ausburg Publishing.  Roger returned to Wakefield and worked for White Pine Copper Mine, Ironwood Concrete and Great Lakes Gas.  After retiring, he was employed as a pipeline consultant and traveled all over the United States.

Roger treasured his time in the outdoors with his family. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and skiing. Roger loved his grandchildren and passed on his expertise of rocks and minerals to them.  He took great pleasure in his fishing trips to Ontario, Canada with his sons and friends as well as his trips to Alaska to visit his cousin. Roger looked forward to his time with his partners at their hunting camp.  He was an avid reader who studied history.

Roger loved his family, friends and his Finnish heritage. This past Fourth of July, he attended the Harju Family Reunion at the pavilion at Sunday Lake Park. Most of his family visited him at his home. Roger's door was always open for visitors, and he appreciated their company.

Roger was a lifelong member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay. He bestowed his God given talents volunteering in the following positions: usher, trustee, counter, choir member, assistant treasurer and vice-president of the congregation. Roger was a devoted Christian who shared his faith with family and friends.

Roger is survived by his former wife, Barb Suomi, Wakefield; three sons, John (Heather Butler), Kewadin, Chris (Jodie), De Pere, Wis., and Paul (Calista Mallos), Vail, Colo .; two grandchildren, Michael and Margaret Suomi; a brother, Marvin (MariClare), Beverly Hills, Calif .; a sister, Juleanne (Nicholas) Jarvela, Ashland, Wis .; loved one, Laura Olson, Wakefield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9 a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Timothy J. Steckling officiating.

Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, E8223 Sanders Road, Bessemer, MI 49911.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.