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1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P

Paul Henry Saranen, age 91 of Virginia, died August 3, 2018 in Virginia. He was born on April 28, 1927 in Virginia, the son of Vaino and Ester (Salminen) Saranen. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and the Virginia Jr. College. He married Ellen Wattula on Oct. 7, 1950, and they enjoyed 42 years together.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving on the USS Reeves in the Pacific Theater, and attaining the rank of Fireman 1st Class. He then worked briefly on ore boats on all 5 Great Lakes and then worked for Oliver Iron Mining Co, US Steel, and Minntac. He was a metal fabricator, blacksmith and a tin smith.

He was affectionately known as Grumpa, had a way with humor and was an animated storyteller. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping and frequently went on 2 mile walks. He had an incredible memory and enjoyed Crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, cribbage, and taking saunas. He loved spending time with his family and often traveled to Finland and Alaska.

Paul was a past Commander of Crellin-Tini VFW Post 1113. He was Past Master of the Virginia Masonic Lodge # 264 AF&AM, was Past High Priest in the Royal Arch Masons Chapter # 77, member of the Commandery # 36 Knights Templar, a life member of Keystone Chapter 20 of the Royal Arch Masons and the Duluth Commandry #18 Knights Templar and a life member of the DAV.

Paul is survived by his children: David (Sherry) Saranen of Virginia, Richard (Elizabeth) Saranen of Ketchikan, AK, and Paula (Donald) Etter of Virginia; grandchildren: Matthew (Heidi) Zelasco, Janelle Saranen, Kirsti Saranen, Robert Corbett, Donald Corbett, Aaron Saranen, Byron Saranen, Matthew "Mutti" Etter, Daniel (Tara) Etter, and Joshua Etter; great-grandchildren: Karley Reives, Kaylee Daniels, and Ashton Corbett; long-time friend Marsha Maki and extended family and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Ellen; and special friends Ernie Maki and Arnold Maki.

The Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 1:00 at the church. Military honors accorded by the Virginia Serviceman's Honor Guard. Memorials are the preferred way to honor Paul's memory.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com

Facts

Born: April 28, 1927
Place of Birth: Virginia, MN United States
Death: August 3, 2018
Place of Death: Virginia, MN United States
Occupation: worked briefly on ore boats on all 5 Great Lakes and then worked for Oliver Iron Mining Co, US Steel, and Minntac. He was a metal fabricator, blacksmith and a tin smith
Hobbies: He was affectionately known as Grumpa, had a way with humor and was an animated storyteller. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping and frequently went on 2 mile walks. He had an incredible memory and enjoyed Crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, cribbage, and taking saunas. He loved spending time with his family and often traveled to Finland and Alaska.
Organizations: Crellin Tini VFW Post, Virginia Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, Commandery Knights Templar, Life Member of the DAV

Services Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Friday August 24, 2018 , 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friday August 24, 2018 , 2:00 PM at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Friday August 24, 2018 , 2:45 PM at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church