Florence: Leo F. Syrjanen, 83, of 232 Olive Avenue, Florence, Wisconsin died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Dickinson Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Leo was born November 11, 1919, in Republic, Michigan, son of the late Frank and Hilda (Torma) Syrjanen. He attended school in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1937. In 1938, Leo, attended Penglase Business School in Iron Mountain for one year. In 1939, he went on to Ferris Institute where he received his Pharmaceutical Degree. On August 12, 1941, Leo married Josephine Altobelli in Iron Mountain. They have enjoyed sixty-one and a half years of marriage. Leo served in the US Navy during World War II, serving from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1945. Leo worked as a Pharmacist in many of the area drug stores, and later went on to own and operate the Florence Walgreen Drugs from August of 1953 until January of 1972. While operating the Florence Drug Store, it became a gathering place for customers and friends around the Soda Fountain. Leo will be forever remembered by his smile. In 1972, Leo worked as a Pharmacist in Iron Mountain until his retirement, and thoroughly enjoyed working with and serving his co-workers and customers. Leo was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Florence, an active member of the Florence County Board, Florence Chamber of Commerce, helped develop the Florence County Medical Center, a member of the Lions Club, VFW, American Legion of Florence, the Elks Club of Iron Mountain and was on the Board of the Finnish American Society. He was an avid Packer fan, attending many games. He also enjoyed gardening and bird watching. He is survived by his wife Josephine, three sons Michael Syrjanen of Chicago, Illinois, Frederick (Barbara) Syrjanen of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Jeffery (Staria) Syrjanen of Crystal Falls, Michigan, one daughter Merry Beth (Gregg) Gerschke of Richfield, Wisconsin, one brother Charles ( Esther) of Republic, Michigan, one sister Evelyn (Bill) Clarke of Fruita, Colorado, 6 grandchildren Erik, Kristen, Lee Allyn, and Joy Ling Syrjanen, Geoffrey and Annelise Gerschke and grand dog Lucy. He was dedicated to his wife and partner Josephine, the Love of his Life. He was strongly committed to education for his children and grandchildren and to serving his Community. Visitation will be Saturday, May 10, 2003, from 9 - 11a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Florence. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11:00a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Betley officiating. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Memorials can be made to the Florence County Rescue Squad, St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Waukesha Memorial Hospital Foundation in his memory. Friends may leave condolences and memorial tributes on Leo's obituary page at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com. The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home of Florence, Wisconsin, is serving the family.