IRON MOUNTAIN - Reuben A. Hamari, 85, of Iron Mountain, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital.
He was born on March 6, 1927, in Iron Mountain, the son of the late Toivo and Hilda (Rytioja) Hamari.
Reuben served in the U.S. Navy.
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He married Barbara Moroni on Sept. 7, 1957, at the First Presbyterian Church in Iron Mountain. Reuben worked for the Hanna Mine as a heavy equipment operator from 1957, until the mine closed. He then went to work at Schneider's Iron and Metal until his retirement.
Reuben loved the Lord and had a strong faith. He was a ski jumper and along with his brothers, was known as the "Flying Finns." As a member of Pine Grove Country Club, he enjoyed golfing and had many holes-in-one. Reuben went hunting locally and out west. He also enjoyed downhill skiing.
Reuben was very family-oriented. He really enjoyed spending time with his family, including his nieces and nephews, and teaching them various activities, including how to ski and golf. His daughter, Lisa, always said that Reuben was her best friend and she called him "Grandpy-a." Children really enjoyed Reuben's patience and pleasant personality.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children, Lisa (Bob) Buchner of Iron Mountain and Paul (Tisha) Hamari of Bailey, Colo.; three grandchildren, Derek (Kelly) Hansen of Iron Mountain, Kyler Hamari of Bailey, and Eleigha Hamari of Bailey; two great-grandchildren, Conner and Riley Hansen; two brothers, Don (Marge) Hamari of Kingsford and Allen (Kathy) Hamari of New Brighton, Minn.; one sister, Helen Wickman of Kingsford; one sister-in-law, Garon Hamari; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy and Dwayne Hamari and two sisters, Hilka Bartolameolli and Lila Makela.
Visitation will be Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be Monday at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park.
Graveside military rites will be accorded by the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Reuben A. Hamari online at ernashfuneralhomes.com .
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.