Ruben Savela

Ruben J. Savela, 85, longtime Poplar, WI, area resident and currently from Superior died Thursday, April 28, 2011 at his residence in Superior.

He was born on January 27, 1926 in Poplar, WI, the son of Otto and Tyyne (Nykanen) Savela.

He joined the Merchant Marines in 1942, shipping to Europe, Africa and Asia for three years in the Engine Dept.

He also served in the United States Air Force for two years as a radio and teletype operator.

He was married to Helen Harmon in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. They lived there for four years and then moved to Poplar, WI., where they lived for twenty-five years before moving to Superior, WI.

Helen passed away May 25, 2006. They were married for almost fifty-nine years.

In addition to his wife, Rueben is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Ellen Johnson, Elsie Belanger and Elna Wahlquist; two brothers, George and Edward; and a stepson, Sam Harmon. He is survived by one sister, Edith Jossund, Superior, WI; two stepsons, Gerald Harmon, Bloomington, IL; Ben Harmon, Dayton, OH; one uncle, George Nykanen, Poplar, WI; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ruben operated a trucking, sawing and planning business for many years.

He also worked in Duluth, MN for sixteen years as a heavy equipment and mechanic lead man. He retired in 1980.

Per Ruben’s request there will be no public services.

Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cremorial Park Columbarium.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.