Evelyn Palosaari

She was born on Oct. 6, 1934, in Coburntown, a daughter of the late Henry and Amanda Harkonen. Evey was raised in Coburntown and was a graduate of the Hancock High School with the Class of 1953.

On April 3, 1954, she was united in marriage to Clifford Palosaari. The couple had made their home at North Entry in Chassell as they raised their family and successfully managed their “Rolling Acres” family farm.

Along with helping Clifford run their Dairy and Strawberry farm, Evey was also very active with the Farm Bureau Association, served as board member on the USDA Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service, was a 4-H leader for many years and a volunteer for the Houghton County Fair. She also worked for the Head Start Program and originated one of the first Bed and Breakfast facilities in the area on her farm for 15 years. 

She was an active member and Sunday School teacher with the Chassell and Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Churches with her children. She then assisted with many projects with the Zion Lutheran Churches in Hancock, from which she was a member of for many years. She enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens, hosting many gatherings at her home and spending time with her family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Clifford; her granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Holombo; and her siblings, Richard Suomi, Helga Lukkari, Toivo Maki, Irene Croteau, Gertrude Gore, Elaine Mantta, and William Harkonen. 

Surviving are her children, Gary (Teresa) Palosaari, Steve Palosaari, Mark (Rita) Palosaari, Dan (Sandy) Palosaari, Tim (Kelly) Palosaari, Lisa (Steven) Holombo, and Peter Palosaari and Shelly; her former daughters-in-law, Mary Lampinen and Cheryl Palosaari; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Evelyn shared numerous times with her family her satisfaction with her time at Portage Pointe and her love for many of the employees who consistently cared for her and jointly shared their humorous times with each other.

A funeral service for Evelyn will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock with Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate. Burial will be Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Chassell Cemetery.

Friends may call on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock.

To view Evelyn’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.