Richard Wayne Saari, age 81, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Richard was born on January 27, 1945 in Chicago, IL, to the late Wayne and Erna (Hellum) Saari. Rich attended Mulligan and Jahn grade schools. He then attended Lane Tech High School and graduated with the class of 1963. Richard was employed with various manufacturing companies over the years, most memorable being Bell & Howell, Union Special, and DACO (Parker), before retiring as a screw machinist. Rich was a man who always enjoyed being busy and that was evident in his variety of hobbies. He loved fishing, bowling, thrifting, and coin collecting. He also just enjoyed going for a drive and making a plan when he got to his destination – and sometimes that plan was just to drive back home. Richard was a devoted grandpa, and loved spending time with his grandkids.
He is survived by five children: Matt Andrew Saari, Tim Michael (Crystal) Saari, Philip Benjamin (Raelene) Saari, Paul Thomas Saari, Daniel Ero Saari; four grandchildren: Quinton Saari, Leah Saari, Emma Saari, Eli Saari; mother of his children: Valerie Louise (Dolenski) Saari; sister: Jayne Ann (Gerry) Skuta; brother: Wayne Jack Saari; niece: Lori Skuta; and nephew: Thomas (Jessica) Skuta; great nephews: Shane and Nathan Skuta.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents: Wayne and Erna Saari; and two infant children: Wayne John Saari and Vickie Louise Saari.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses: 4915 Hecker Road, Manitowoc. Visitation starts at 12:00pm Noon with the funeral starting at 1:30pm. Zoom will also be available for those unable to attend in person. Zoom ID: 620 594 706 PW: 180500.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the family to assist with medical and funeral expenses.
Richard’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of Aurora Hospital, Aurora at Home Hospice, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home for all the care and compassion they provided.
