Katherine Karvonen

Kathy leaves a legacy of fiercely loving her family, especially her grandchildren with who she played an active role doing things like picking them up after school every day. When her great grandchildren came along three years ago, Kathy often would remark, “I can’t believe that I lived long enough to spend time with my great grandchildren.”

Kathy was born on Aug. 26, 1936, to Aldrick and Lillian Kalliainen and was raised in Portage Entry. Kathy’s grandfather was the first known fisherman to settle in Portage Entry, which was known as Fisherman’s Village at the time.

Kathy’s father and mother worked in the commercial fishing industry until the industry subsided on the Great Lakes. Kathy identified herself as a fisherman’s daughter right through to the end of her life.

Kathy graduated from the Chassell High School in 1954. Kathy went immediately to work and forged a successful career, working in her early years as a secretary in the Quincy Mining Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Andrew Wisti’s Law Office.

As a mother, Kathy worked as the Franklin Township Treasurer in order to work while being a full time mother. Later in her career, Kathy served as the Houghton County Airport Business Manager and returned to the Law Offices of Andrew Wisti as Office Manager until her retirement. Even then, Kathy enjoyed an encore career as a Sales Associate at JCPenny, where she took full advantage of the employee discount.

Kathy married Andrew Karvonen on Sept. 28, 1957. They celebrated 52 years of marriage. Andrew passed away on Dec. 9, 2010.

Kathy and Andy have two daughters, Cindy (John) Cowell of Chassell and Amy (Craig) Pellizzaro of Hancock. Kathy has three grandchildren, Tom (Amy Axley) Cowell of Hancock, Colin (Cierra Stevens) Cowell of Misery Bay, and Rachael Pellizzaro of Grand Rapids. Kathy also has two great grandchildren, Riverlyn Cowell and Coven Cowell of Misery Bay. Kathy is also survived by her brother, Richard Kalliainen of Fort Meyers Beach, Florida; and special cousin, LaVerne Johnson of South Carolina; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding Kathy in death are her parents, Aldrick and Lillian Kalliainen; granddaughter, Katherine Mary Pellizzaro; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and George Vogel; sister, Gail Kalliainen; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Jack Cunningham; brother-in-laws, Rudolph Karvonen and Carl Karvonen; and sister-in-law, Regina Luoka; along with several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephew.

A graveside service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held at the Chassell Cemetery on Nov. 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Chuck Bylkas officiating. A lunch will follow at Centennial Park.

Kathy’s family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Haven at Canal View for the care and compassion given to Kathy and our family over the past three years.

To View Katherine’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The  Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.