John G. 'Gibby' Palojarvi

IRONWOOD, Mich. - John G. "Gibby" Palojarvi, 82, a lifelong Ironwood Township resident, died early Tuesday morning, March 15, 2016, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, with his family by his side.

He was born Jan. 5, 1934, in Ironwood Township, son of the late Toivo and Selma (Tassava) Palojarvi, and attended Roosevelt School. He worked in the woods and on the family farm prior to serving in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War.

Following his discharge as a corporal in 1955, he returned to Ironwood Township and was a self-employed logger until his retirement in 1997.

John was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ironwood Township and the Ironwood Township Sportsman's Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, camping and raising and hunting bear hounds. Gibby was also a great storyteller and many of his friends knew him as "Trapper". He was always supportive of his children and grandchildren in all of their activities.

 On Jan. 17, 1953, he was married to Arlene D. Suliin at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood by the late Rev. Arnold Stadius. She preceded him in death on Aug. 5, 2012.

Surviving are two daughters, Vicki (Mike) Nelson and Donna Lipske, both of Ironwood Township; three grandchildren, Nikki Lipske, and Katie and Sarah Nelson; a brother, David Palojarvi, Streamwood, Ill .; three sisters, Ruth Walden, Crawfordsville, Ind., and Anna Thurston and Natalie (John) Rhea, both of Phoenix, Ariz; brother-in-law, Reino Suliin, and sister-in-law, Ruth Nelson, both of Ironwood; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents and wife, John was predeceased by a grandson, Luke Lipske; brother, Leslie, in infancy; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, March 22, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church on Airport Road in Ironwood Township, with Pastor Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Private committal and interment will be in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township, in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be given to John's family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.