William 'Bill' Pallin

IRONWOOD, Mich. - William "Bill" Pallin, 81, a prominent long-time Ironwood and Wakefield businessman, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, March 11, 2017, at his home.

Bill was born on Nov. 4, 1935, in Bessemer Township, a son of Gustaf and Blanche (LaForge) Pallin. He attended St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood and graduated in 1953.

Following graduation, Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a private first class on Dec. 2, 1955, and received the National Defense Service Medal.

After returning to the area, he worked for the city of Ironwood. Bill then went into business for himself, owning and operating Pallin's Dry Cleaners and Laundromat. In 2002, Bill and his son, Jason, purchased the former Wakefield Co-op and became co-owners of the Sunday Lake Supermarket. Bill thoroughly enjoyed working side-by-side with his son and took great pride in providing quality products in a friendly atmosphere for the community.

Bill was a devout Catholic. He faithfully attended Mass and spent countless hours praying the rosary. Bill was a third degree member of the Knight of Columbus, Bessemer Council 13393.

He was also a member of the Gogebic Range Beagle Club, Bessemer American Legion Post 27, Wakefield-Bessemer Rotary Club and the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, Sunday Lake Supermarket was the recipient of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award. It was a momentous evening for Bill and his family.

Since he was an avid outdoorsman and deer hunter, Bill absolutely loved going to his camp. It was a very special place for him to welcome family and friends. He took great pleasure hosting delicious meals and his specialty was wild game.

Bill was the happiest helping others. He always wanted to give back to his community and supported and encouraged the 4-H program in the area.

Bill is survived by six children, Kim Pallin, Bill Pallin Jr., Steve (Sue) Pallin, Kari Pallin (Brian), Jason Pallin and Karina Morgan; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers, David (Charlotte), Charles (Penny), Richard (Jeanne) and Thomas; a sister, Jean Valle; his sister-in-law, Elaine Pallin; two special friends, Marilyn Vuorenmaa and Dawn Kile; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Geraldine Rogo Pallin, on April 9, 1973; a brother, Robert; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Barbara "Annie" and Don Danielson and Donna Pallin; and his sister-in-law, Maryanne Pallin.

The family will greet relatives and friends Thursday, March 16, from 9 to 10:45 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.

Full military rites will be accorded at the church under the auspices of the Bessemer American Legion Post 27, Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 and Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

Rite of Committal and interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, in the spring.

Pallbearers will be Bill's grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Peace Church, 108 S. Marquette St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.