Albert L. "Al" Saari

Dr. Albert “Al” Saari, 81, of Plymouth, MN went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 14, 2018.

Albert was born in Askel, MI in 1937. Maternal grandmother Anna Lantto Naasko raised him on the family farm after his mother died in 1939. He graduated from John A. Doelle School in 1955. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.S. in Food Science at Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Food Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. He married Janis Lynn, his loving wife of 54 years, in Mt. Horeb, WI in 1963. They moved to Minneapolis where Al completed a Post-Doc in Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota with an NIH grant. Al was a scientist at General Mills for 29 years, working in areas including aquaculture, novel emulsifier applications, and baked goods, with multiple patents granted. After retirement in 1994, Al travelled and enjoyed his grandchildren and golf. He consulted with numerous clients and engaged in entrepreneurial businesses, including core contributions to Boveda, Inc. technology.

For much of his adult life, Al endeavored to serve and minister to others on behalf of Jesus. He was a member, teacher, Stephen Minister, Trustee, and Board Chairman at Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church. He lead wilderness backpacking and canoe trips for youth and adults. He was a co-founder of and occasional instructor for the Inter-Lutheran Theological Seminary. Janis faithfully oversaw his long-term care at Texas Terrace Care Center for the last nine years of his life.

Albert is survived by his wife Janis; children Eric (Ruth) Saari, Cynthia (David) Soine, Roy Saari, John (Karin) Saari; grandchildren Yvette, Liisabet, Josiah, David, Anna, Isaac, Elizabeth, Matthew, Jacob, William, and Nathan; and Uncle Calvin Naasko. Al was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Esther Saari; stepmother Opal Saari; siblings Kenneth Saari, Shirley (George) Huhta; mother-in-law Isabel; brother-in-law Tom.

Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to the Plymouth Lutheran Church or the Inter-Lutheran Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 449, Hancock, MI 49930.

Visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorial service and interment planned for Askel Cemetery, Pelkie, MI, in late spring 2018.

Friday, March 23, 2018 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church 11015 County Road 15 Plymouth, Minnesota

Saturday, March 24, 2018 11:00 AM

Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church 11015 County Road 15 Plymouth, Minnesota

Visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorial service and interment planned for Askel Cemetery, Pelkie, MI, in late spring 2018.