Verna M. Kallio

She was born in Munising on February 5, 1935 to the late Leo and Lillian (Bonner) Maxon. Verna grew up in Brown’s Addition and attended school in Munising. She married Donald R. Kallio on January 25, 1958 and they were married over 57 years when Don preceded her in death in 2014. Verna was a homemaker but also worked alongside Don at the bakery and babysat for many children.

She was an avid canner and made her famous pickles and dilly beans and was a talented seamstress. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Trenary where she served on the ladies’ guild and helped with many meals for church functions and funerals. Verna and Don opened the Trenary Youth Center in the 1970’s to give the local kids a place to go. When her children were young, Verna enjoyed taking the kids camping and fishing. And as they got older she and Don loved taking bus tours to Branson and Graceland and their trip to Europe where they visited Italy, Paris, and London. Verna also enjoyed playing BINGO and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

She is survived by her daughters ­ Tammie Kallio of Escanaba, and Kim (Michael) Marchak of Gwinn; grandchildren ­ Dreama, Angel, Michael Jared, and Bobbie Joe; two great-granddaughters; brothers ­ Bob (Sharron) Maxon of Gladstone and Jerry (Charlotte) Maxon of Munising; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents ­ Leo and Lillian; husband Don; granddaughter ­ Rebecca Marchak; grandsons ­ Jesse, Brent, and Lance Kallio; and siblings ­ Betty (Tage) Woodaz, Jim (Margaret) Maxon, and Roy (Margie) Maxon.

Verna’s services will be held in the spring of 2026 and interment will be at Mathias Township Cemetery in Trenary. Her obituary and online guestbook may be viewed and signed at bowermanfuneralhome.net.