October 5, 1934 – October 7, 2025
Norma (Joanne) Kallinen, 91, of Beaver Bay, MN, passed away on October 7, 2025, in Two Harbors, MN, with her loving daughter Crystal by her side.
She was born on October 5, 1934, in Moose Lake, MN, where she grew up and graduated from Moose Lake High School. She had her first job as a pinsetter at the local bowling alley, something she always had stories about.
Joanne was a homemaker while her children were growing up. In her later years, she enjoyed working at Rapid Serve and as a “grandma” for the Christian Academy.
Joanne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them to play the piano, collecting keychains, and matching mismatched socks. She was especially dedicated to her church, where she played music and was known for her tater tot hotdish at pot bless.
She is survived by her children, DeDe (Darl) Tischer, Brion Kallinen, Joyce (Reid) Cronk, and Crystal (Mike) Ylatupa; her brother Palmer Hultberg; her twin brother David (Dorothy) Hultberg; and her grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Rada, Brion (Laura) Kallinen, Audrey Kallinen, Tabitha Cronk (Justin), Kenny Cronk, Tiffany (Jeremy) Tinaza, Cassandra (Josh) Velcheff, Christina (Jay) Klemmer, Jesse (Crynessa) Ylatupa, and Janthony Ylatupa. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and good friend Candice Gale.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milton Kallinen (2009); her sisters, Marilyn (Galen) Kennedy and Lorraine (Harold) Norman; her sister-in-law, Joan Hultberg; and her great-grandson, Dustin Velcheff.
A memorial service will be held on June 13 at 11 a.m. at Beaver Bay Community Church. Please join the family afterward for a light lunch.
