Carl Junior "Tuffy" Palmgren, 84, of Iron Mountain, formerly of Crystal Falls, passed away Monday, March 2, 2009, at the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iron Mountain. He was born May 20, 1924, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Carl and Jennie (Fernquist) Palmgren. Carl attended school in Aurora, Wis. and Crystal Falls. Prior to World War II, he worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Carl served in the United States Army during World War II, in the Battle of the Bulge, from March 16, 1943 until January 3, 1946. Carl married Thelma "Jean" Lounds in Lexington, S.C., on January 8, 1944. She preceded him in death on January 29, 2002. Together, they were blessed with 57 years of loving partnership. After the war, Carl continued his education, earning a Bachelor Degree in Minnesota and a Master Degree in North Dakota, with a major in English and a minor in Economics. He taught English in Minnesota, North Dakota, and in San Bernardino, Calif. for 25 years, where he also advised the yearbook and journalism classes. His skills were recognized and honored by being chosen Teacher of the Year and he was among the first group inducted into the San Gorgonio High School Teachers' Hall of Fame. After his retirement in 1981, Carl returned to his roots in Upper Michigan, having built a home on Balsam Road in Crystal Falls. There, he acted as a substitute teacher and also taught English for Gogebic Community College. Carl was a member of VFW Post No. 2891, and American Legion Post No. 87, both of Crystal Falls. He is survived by two brothers, Glenn (Dorothy) Johnson, Homestead, Wis., Ronnie (Lola) Johnson, Kingsford; one step-son, Kenneth (Sue) Kidder, Madison, Wis.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Carl was preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Marie Palmgren, Ruth (Leslie) Sjoquist; four brothers, Norman Palmgren, Ernest (Joanne) Johnson, Robert, (Shirley) Johnson, and Gerald (Judy) Johnson. You may light a candle in remembrance of Carl or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, is serving the family. Private family visitation was held. Graveside military services will be held in the spring. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls.