Richard Arthur Pallin

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Richard Arthur Pallin, 88, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, Eagle River, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born Oct. 26, 1934, in Ironwood, a son of Gustaf and Blanche (LaForge) Pallin.

He attended St. Ambrose Catholic High School, graduating in 1953. Rick then went on to serve two years in the U.S. Merchant Marines followed by another two years in the U.S. Army, where he was honorably discharged in 1959. He started at the Coca-Cola plant as a local distributor in 1960. While on the job, he was distracted by a beautiful young woman named Jeanne.

On Feb. 8, 1964, Rick was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jeanne Thomas. They made their home in Ironwood, and together raised three children, Tom, Richard and Amy. In February 2024, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Rick attended Gogebic Community College and finished his education at Northern Michigan University in 1969 to pursue a career in teaching. He taught 4th grade at Bergland School until his retirement in 1992.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne, Ironwood; two sons, Tom (Connie), Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and their children, Josh, Nicole (Ben) and Nathan (Veronica); and Richard (Tara), Watersmeet, and their children, Hailey, Kiona and Julia; a daughter, Amy (Jeff) Swartz, Kimball, Wisconsin, and their son, Casey; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Chucky; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Pallin and Charlotte Pallin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and his brother-in-law, Donna Pallin, Barbara "Annie" (Don) Danielson and Jean Valle; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Robert "Puzzy," William "Bill," (Bill's first wife, Geraldine Rogo Pallin), Tom (Maryanne) and David, and Penny Pallin; and a great-granddaughter, Liviya.

Rick was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing, but his true passion was his hobby farm, where he took great pride in showing and racing pigeons. Together with his son, Richard, under their name "R & R Loft," they achieved two championships in one year, 1989; the Minnesota State Race 600 and the 600 Mile Section of the Topeka, Kansas, race, the highlight of which was racing a bird 600 miles there and back in a single day.

He loved the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Lakers. He had a big heart and a big sense of humor, family was everything. It is believed he is in Heaven tonight watching the game, coffee in hand and sharing stories with his friends and family already in Heaven.

Yes dad, "We got your message."

"Under pink skies and calm seas, the Merchant Marines wish you fair winds and following seas."

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 108 S. Marquette St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Brian Gerber, celebrant.

Military rites will be accorded at the church under the auspices of Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.