Ishpeming- Perry Rudolph Palomaki, age 69 unexpectedly went to his final rest on April 21, 2017.

He was born on August 11, 1947 to Rudolph and Lucille Palomaki. During his early years he attended Republic-Michigamme Schools where his mother taught. He later transferred to the Ishpeming Schools graduating with the Class of 1965.

Perry briefly attended NMU studying in an Industrial Arts program before joining the US Marine Corp. He served for over 4 years and honorably fought for his country in the Vietnam War. He was proud to have worked on the Hawk Missile Guidance System.

After his tour of duty ended he returned home where he met and married his bride of 43 years, Karen (Koski) Palomaki in 1973. He started working with Cleveland Cliffs until his retirement. He became a lifetime member of the Elks and held various local, state and national positions.

Perry took pleasure in the outdoors and camping, especially in Grand Maris, MI. He was an avid outdoors man and a gifted woodworker. He was well-known for his baking, especially his cardamom bread. He enjoyed spending time with his family and one of the greatest highlights of his life was the birth of his grandchildren Paisley, Ryker and Jayce as well as honorary grandson, Gabe.

He is survived by wife Karen (Koski) Palomaki, daughter Brandi (Jeremy Hartsell) Palomaki-Hartsell, son Sean (Melissa) Palomaki, downstate adopted son Daryll (Holly) Yarger, mother Lucille (Hibernig) Palomaki, brother Paddy (Gail) Palomaki, special uncle Fred Hibernig Jr., sister-in-laws Julie (Howard, dec) Schweppe, Denise (Robin) Juchemich, Pamela (Jeffrey) Kellett, and brother-in-law David (Kathy) Koski, beloved grandchildren Paisley Hartsell, Ryker and Jayce Palomaki, and Gabe Yarger, as well as various nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Ishpeming Elks Lodge on Friday, April 28 ^th starting at 11:30 am with a potluck luncheon to follow as well as the opportunity to share memories. The family respectfully request that attendees don't wear black as this is supposed to be a celebratory occasion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a veteran organization of your choice or to the Michigan Elks Major Project.

Perry's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.