Frank E. Saaranen, a lifelong resident of Mass City, passed away May 2, 2007, at the Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L'Anse after a short illness.

Frank was born April 23, 1920, in Wainola, to Enokki and Loviisa (Lehtomaki) Saaranen, the youngest of nine children.

After graduating in 1938 from Mass High School, Frank worked on the family farm and worked for the CCC's. Frank also served in the U.S. Army during WW II.

"Frank the Barber" was well known for his special haircuts in his little barbershop in Mass City. He made many friends throughout his 47 years serving people from Mass and other communities of the U.P. After finally retiring at age 75, he and his wife, Mary, became snowbirds and traveled for the next nine years, setting up residency in Alabama, Texas and Florida.

Preceding Frank in death were his parents; brothers, John, Andrew and Enoch; sisters, Aina, Josephine, Sylvia and Emma; wives, Rhea Antilla and Bertha Jestila.

Frank is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mary; daughter, Corrine J. Barthell of Malibu, Calif.; four stepchildren, Becky (Chris) Smith of Lake Stevens, Wash., William (Janet) Stowell of Forest Grove, Ore., Randy (Lana) Stowell of Granite Falls, Wash., Sandra Sterbenz of L'Anse; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward (Blanche) of Warren, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon with Pastor John West officiating.

Visitation will be Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m and one hour before the service on Saturday. Burial will be in the Rousseau Cemetery.