Ishpeming- Doris Claire (Holmgren) Pellonpaa, age 89, lifelong Ishpeming resident passed away Sunday, August 30, 2020 at her home while in the loving care of her two daughters who were by her side holding her hands.  We would like to thank UP Home Health and Hospice for their support.

Doris was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on March 28, 1931. Daughter of the late Laura Charlotta (Endahl) and Edmund Carl Holmgren.  Doris graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1949.  She then attended and graduated from Augustana Nursing School in Chicago, IL.  "That September Class".

Doris married the love of her life Carl on December 16, 1953 at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Dorie, as Dad fondly called her, worked as a Registered Nurse at FA Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.  She had many roles in her career at Bell Memorial.  Mom was a dedicated, hardworking, devoted caregiver. Doris always went above and beyond to help patients, family, and friends.  She was a Nursing Supervisor, Director of Nurses, teacher of nurses' aides' classes and proud to be a leader of infection control.  Doris volunteered her nursing expertise in hospice serving many local families in their homes.

Doris was proud of her Swedish heritage.  She was a lifetime member of Bethany Lutheran Church.  Doris was actively involved and enjoyed participating in children's, junior and senior choir.  Our family believed her "Voice" was a true gift from God.  Mom performed numerous times as a soloist on Christmas Eve, singing O Holy Night.  Mom shared one of her most special memories of being asked to sing at Orchestra Hall in Chicago.

Doris would love to attend her Augustana Nursing School reunions throughout her lifetime.  She enjoyed traveling and conducted many tours with Carl to Scandinavia, Iceland, Scotland, England, Hawaii, and Branson.

Family and friends were extremely important to Doris.  She loved to write poetry, scrapbooking, cross country ski, bowl, sing at weddings and funerals, card club with girlfriends, cooking and baking for our family and on special holidays.  She enjoyed many fun times at their camp with family and friends.

Doris was a proud card-carrying Republican.  She was a member of Monitor Lodge #163 of the Vasa.  Doris was part of the fund-raising effort to restore the Bethany pipe organ.

She will be sadly missed by her children, son-in-law, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, family, and friends.

Doris is survived by two daughters: Wendy L. Holton, of Mequon, WI.

Diane (Dale) Carnell, of Rio Rancho, NM;  4 grandchildren: Briana (John) Raetzel, Amanda (Dustin) Holton, Kristen (Brian) Hough, and Samantha (Jon) Zinski, 4 great grandchildren Oliver Raetzel, Chloe Raetzel, Logan Reinheimer, and Collins Hough, a brother Edmund (Susan) Holmgren along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Doris was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband Carl V. Pellonpaa, a son Carl E. Pellonpaa, siblings: Ann (Eric) Rex, Althea (Donald) Doney, and Lowell (Hilda) Holmgren.

A public visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Thursday September 3, 2020 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.  If attending, face masks are required and respect social distancing guidelines due to current COVID 19 restrictions.

A private funeral ceremony will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church 715 Mather Ave. Ishpeming, MI 49849, or a charity of one's choice in memory of Doris Pellonpaa.

Doris' obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

Doris' funeral recording can be listened to here.