Carmeline Ivacko

Carm was born on Aug. 23, 1928, in Iron Mountain, the daughter of the late John and Crocifissa (Mosca) Ganga. She attended Iron Mountain High School and graduated in 1946, and remained a lifelong resident of the area.

On August 28, 1948, Carm married Joseph J. Ivacko at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. They raised three children and shared 71 devoted years of marriage before he preceded her in death on Nov. 30, 2019.

Carm cherished her time and friendships while working for decades in the office at Clairmont Transfer Company. Not being one to sit still, she then went on to work at Four Seasons Beer Distributing, finally retiring in her mid-80s. Carm was an active member at American Martyrs Catholic Church and served on St. Barbara’s Circle in the Ladies Guild. She was also a member of the American Business Women’s Association.

Family and friends were at the center of Carm’s life, and she was always up for a game of cards or cup of coffee with the neighborhood friends, camping at Chicagoan Lake, traveling to Vegas, and going to camp. A true Northside Italian, Carm was an excellent cook and the family always looked forward to her homemade cheese ravioli and prime rib at Christmas. She also made sure the boys never went hungry during deer season at camp.

Carm is survived by her children, Jon (Linda) Ivacko of Vulcan, Jim Ivacko of Pembine, and Carol (Dale) Larson of Iron Mountain. She is further survived by grandchildren Joe Ivacko, Felicia (Tim) Sayer, Brian Ivacko, Carrie (Brett) Gerner, Carlene Cecelio, and Abby (Sam) Smith. Eleven great-grandchildren also brought great pride and joy to her life.

In addition to her parents and husband, Carm was preceded in death by eight half-siblings.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at Kingsford Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford, with the Rev. Greg Heikkala officiating. Inurnment will be in Dickinson Memorial Gardens next to her husband, Joe.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caregivers at Evergreen Assisted Living, who served as a second family to Carm over the past few years. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Carmeline Ivacko online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with arrangements.