Charles "Chuck" M. Palomaki

Charles M. “Chuck” Palomaki, age 86, of Washington Street in Munising died unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon, February 3, 2016 at U.P. Health System – Marquette.   He was born on June 10, 1929 in Ishpeming to John and Anna (Leppanen) Palomaki.  Chuck graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1948.  He served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Sierra during the Korean War.  Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Chuck went to work at the mines in Ishpeming.  He married Therese (Grondine) Veale on June 15, 1961.  Chuck instantly became a loving father to Therese’s children who were five, three, and four months when their dad died.  He worked in Corrections for the State of Michigan for twenty-seven years.  Chuck worked at Marquette, Paradise and he retired from Cusino as a Sergeant.  After his retirement, he worked at Pictured Rocks Golf Course on the grounds crew.  He was a faithful and active member at Sacred Heart Church in Munising and the Knights of Columbus.  Chuck served on the parish council, was Eucharistic Minister, was an altar server with his sons, and he and Therese were Pre-Cana marriage sponsors for many years.  Chuck coached Little League when his sons were young.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends having breakfast at the American Legion and coffee at the Senior Center.  Chuck loved being with his grandchildren and he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, gardening, cutting grass, building things, working on clocks, and tinkering when he could.

He is survived by his wife of over fifty-four years – Therese Palomaki of Munising; children – Steve (Cindy) Veale of Vonore, TN, Kathy Veale of Wetmore, Sue Burton of Antioch, TN, Tim (Susie) Palomaki of Munising, and Scott (Amy) Palomaki of Appleton, WI; grandchildren – Nikki, B.J., Janelle (Justin), Derek, Lucas (Tricia), Cimantha, Greg, Christy (Jim), Hannah, Jacob, Joshua, Joseph, Paige, and Sydney; five great-grandchildren – Jaiden, Jocelyn, Aria, Drake, and Brandt; numerous nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law – Clara and Joyce Palomaki.  Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, infant sons John and William Palomaki, grandsons Jamie and Jonathon, and brothers Calvin, Clifford, Robert, William and Edwin.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.  A combined Parish Vigil and Knights of Columbus service where friends and family will have a time of sharing stories and memories will be at 7:00 p.m.  Father Chris Gardiner will celebrate Chuck’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. where the American Legion and Vietnam Veteran Honor Guard will conduct military honors.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Vincent De Paul Society or Sacred Heart Church in his memory.