Pauline "Polly" J. Haanpaa, 89, of Ironwood Township, died peacefully Monday, January 20, 2025, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

She was born January 19, 1936, in Ironwood, the daughter of Joseph and Lena (Misuraco) Kasper. She was united in marriage with Kenneth M. Haanpaa, Sr. on February 14, 1953, at St. Mary's Rectory in Hurley, Wisconsin by the late Monsignor Michael Prock.

Polly is survived by her two sons, Ken Jr; grandchildren, Kenneth III (Ashleigh), and Brian; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Mackenzie, and Jovi; her son, Michael (Shaaren); grandchildren, Shannon (Gary); great-grandchild, Jace; grandchildren, Michael W (Jamie) Michon, Meghan (Dan); her three daughters, Linda Mattila; grand-children, AnnMarie (Andy), Jim Jr; daughter, Paula (Matt) Peterson; grandchildren, Rae-Marie, Kaylee, Kaija, and Matthew; and daughter, Susan (Ed) Traeger; grandchild (Amelia); her two sisters, Rosemarie Koski and Margaret Gingery, and sister-in-law; Audrea Kasper. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ken in 2013; son-in-law; Jim Mattila, brothers; Larry Kasper and Joseph (Fay) Kasper, and her sister, Kathleen (Clifford) Muhonen.

Pauline's faith in God always made her feel her greatest gift was her children, grand and great children. She loved family gatherings and also cooking and baking to prepare for them. Pauline sewed and knitted for her children as they grew up. She enjoyed picking wild and tame strawberries to make jam and picking apples in the fall to make great desserts, and the homemade bread she made was a family favorite.

Polly had several jobs throughout her working career, but the one she enjoyed the most was being a cook for the Ironwood School District.

After retiring she volunteered several summers for the local 4-H club. Pauline enjoyed traveling to her Children's homes in various states.

Visitation for Polly will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood on Friday, February 28, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church at 11 a.m. with Fr. Brian Gerber officiating. Burial will take place at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township in the spring.

Thank you to Bonnie, and the late Ted Ramp for being such great friends to Pauline.

The family would also like to thank everyone at Gogebic Medical Facility for their excellent care, especially the 2nd-floor nursing Staff.