Sally Louise (Schmaus) Gagnon

Sally Louise (Schmaus) Gagnon, 83, of Rockland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on July 13, 2026. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Sally was born on February 4, 1943 in Ontonagon, Michigan to George and Hilda (Stark) Schmaus. She attended Roger Clark School in Rockland, MI. Sally married the love of her life Henry Elias Gagnon on February 6, 1960 in White Pine, MI.

Sally served as a homemaker raising her five children until 1975 when she and Henry purchased Henry's Inn. Sally was a memorable personality in the Rockland community and far beyond.

Sally was well known for her wit and sense of humor and being a stubborn Finlander- German. She had a talent for riling up snowmobilers and other patrons at Henry's Inn. She entertained the regulars, professional NFL players, NASCAR drivers and others with, "This ain't Burger King, you get it my way..."

She contributed many articles to the Ontonagon Herald which included her unique humor. Sally was fascinated by the weather and served as a weather reporter for Rockland Township for many years. She was known to do the Heikki Lunta snow dance and rejoice the First of May.

Some of her favorite things included Bayfield/Madeline Island vacations with the family, The Minnesota Vikings, Margaritas with the Senioritas, vacations with Butch and the late Suzie Picotte, playing late night Eucher, and winning big at the casino.

Sally is survived by: her beloved husband of 66 years Henry; Siblings: George Schmaus, Jr. and Shirley Kemppainen;

Children: Tony (Cindy) Gagnon, Tina Heitman, Jenny (Dave) Kanniainen and Joy Devitt;

Grandchildren: Mandy (Shawn) Meyer, Max Gagnon, Cassandra (Nate) Duus, Bobbi Ross, Drew Gagnon and great-grandchildren: Sally and Noah.

Sally was preceded in death by her Parents: George and Hilda, siblings: Eino and Bernard, sons: Gene and Henry Jr., and son-in-law Steve.

A celebration on Sally's life will be announced and held at a later date.

Her family would like to thank Leah, Cassie and the rest of the Aspirus Hospice Team who helped Sally uphold her wishes of comfort in her home at end of life.