Paul Parkinen

Paul was born in Laurium, Michigan on June 18, 1966, a son of Richard J. and Gail D. (Tulppo) Parkinen. Paul was a 1984 graduate of Westwood High School and attended Northern Michigan University.

Paul enlisted in the US. Army shortly after high school. He was in the National Guard for many years and devoted 20 years of his life to active military service. He has served overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia (twice), and his very favorite… Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he made several lifelong friends. Paul was a Staff Sergeant, and he served several years as a Career Counselor, a job he very much enjoyed. He was very proud of his time spent in the army, and he was able to retire in his late 40s. This is when he moved back to the place where he was born and a place he truly loved: the Keweenaw.

Paul was a collector. A careful list-maker and note-taker. A true fanatic of all things 70s. A Packer Backer ’til the end. A sci-fi and classic horror movie fan. His vast collection of figures, cards, comics, and other memorabilia was a source of pride and joy for him, all in mint condition. He was passionate about Marvel and DC comics and movies, and always looked forward to the newest release at the theater, preferably with family members in tow. His love of comic books and superheroes began in early childhood and has never wavered. Dr. Strange was his favorite. Paul’s family will greatly miss his famous “movie nights,” complete with popcorn and bits of trivia. His favorite TV shows included Dallas, Dark Shadows, Kolchak the Night Stalker, and Star Trek. He owned all seasons of these shows (and many more), often in duplicate, so he could enjoy them wherever he went.

Paul cherished his music collection, lovingly curated over the course of 15 years on an iPod given to him by his Mom in 2007. He was constantly perfecting it, making it his own. He brought it with him everywhere, just waiting for someone to request a song…an artist…a specific year. Paul loved to sit with friends and family, listening to his iPod on shuffle. He’d dazzle you with his pop music knowledge from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and heavy metal as well. His knowledge of music from those times was unmatched. Chicago, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates, Elton John, and America were among his favorites.

Paul had a lifelong interest in Presidential history, and he especially admired political figures such as Richard Nixon, George Bush, Gerald Ford, John McCain, and Bob Dole. He also enjoyed keeping up with the latest political news.

Paul also treasured time spent at the family cottage at Big Betsy on Lake Superior in the Keweenaw, as well as trips to Isle Royale. He loved to share stories of the Isle’s natural beauty, which he first enjoyed during a Boy Scout camping trip in the early 80s. Whether by himself or with his brother and friends, trips to Isle Royale were always a very special and highly-anticipated event for him.

Paul is survived by his parents Richard and Gail Parkinen of Ely Twp, MI; a brother, Derek Parkinen, of Largo, FL; a sister, Brooke (Eric) Peterson of Calumet; nieces and nephews: Layla and Nicholas Parkinen; and Kirra, Ryder, and Lila Peterson.

Paul was preceded in death by his sisters, Marnie R. Parkinen (2010), and Kristie D. Parkinen (2003), and cousins Tani Burns and Kay Lynn Parkinen.

Paul’s family will greet relatives and friends from 1-3pm on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. A funeral service will take place at 3 pm with Rev. D. Michael Carriere to officiate. There will be a luncheon at 3:45 at the Ishpeming VFW Post 4573 (310 Bank St.), where Paul and Derek attended Boy Scout Troop 321 meetings in their childhood.

Military Honors will be accorded by the UP-Funeral Honors Team.

Interment will take place at the Waasa Cemetery in Hancock Township in the spring.

Paul’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.