Joanne E. Palonen

Joanne Eunice (Kaarlela) Palonen, 89, passed away with family

by her side on June 22, 2025. Born to the late Henry and Lydia

Kaarlela on August 17, 1935 at her family home south of

Calumet Michigan under the care of a midwife. Joanne was

married to Rudolf Elmer Palonen on June 6, 1953 in South

Range Michigan. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother,

and friend to many.

After marrying, Rudy and Joanne moved from the copper

country to Illinois, Wisconsin, and eventually back to Michigan

where they started their family after Rudy returned home from

the Korean Conflict. There they began their family and their

journey as a married couple raising 5 children in Battle Creek

Michigan before retiring in 1980. After retirement Rudy and

Joanne moved back to the copper country near Dollar Bay

Michigan and built a home on the family property on Portage

Lake.

Joanne loved to play music, she self-taught the kantele, and

was renowned in the area for her talent playing the accordion.

She volunteered time playing for the elderly at retirement

homes and was even spotlighted on "Finland Calling" a local

Finnish television show in Upper Michigan. She loved her

Finnish heritage, promoted Finnish culture at every opportunity

and was fluent in the Finnish language.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband Rudy; children, Jerry

(Pam) Palonen, Cindy (Jim) Monaweck, Leeland (Debbie)

Palonen, Stuart (Mary Ann) Palonen, and Raymond (Heather)

Palonen; grandchildren, Tina, Audra, Aaron, Eric, Nick, Kristen,

Katie, and Matthew; step grandchildren, Steven, Miranda,

Alexandrya, Samantha, and 20 great grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, brothers; Willard

Kaarlela, Gordon Kaarlela, William Kaarlela, Robert

Kaarlela, and Irving Kaarlela, sisters; Edith Helman, Elain

Kangas, Lorane Blair, Bernice Cota, and Kathy Ponnikas.

A private celebration of life will be held by the immediate

family. In leu of condolences, please donate to a musical

program of your choice in Joanne's honor.

To view Joanne's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with the arrangement.