Obituaries

Kenneth Michael Carlson, age 75, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2026, on his way to go fishing, one of his most loved pastimes. He was born on July 4, 1950, in Sault Ste. Marie, to William and Lois (Johnson) Carlson.

Ken grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Sault Area High School with the class of 1968. After graduation, he joined Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #635, which led to his first great adventure working on the Alaska Pipeline. He later founded Insulation Specialties Manufacturing Company and spent much of the 1980s traveling between Alaska and Sault Ste. Marie, often piloting his own airplane back and forth.

Ken lived an extraordinarily active and adventurous life. In his youth, he was an accomplished hockey player and competitive snowmobile racer, including participation in the prestigious I-500 Race. Throughout his life, he wore many hats; pipefitter, businessman, pilot, and fabricator, but above all, he was a master fisherman and devoted outdoorsman.

For the last twenty years, Ken enjoyed life as a snowbird, splitting his time between Florida and Sault Ste. Marie. Whether in Alaska, Michigan, Florida, or anywhere in between, Ken made lasting friendships and touched countless lives with his adventurous spirit, generosity, and love of the outdoors. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Ken is survived by his spouse of twenty-three years, Cora(Gravelle); daughter, Emily Carlson; grandson, Truck; brothers, Jon Carlson of Florida, Donald (Cathy) Carlson of Escanaba, Michigan, and Chip (Christine) Carlson of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law, Susan Carlson of Cedar River, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lois; brothers, Thomas Carlson and Dale Carlson; and infant twin brothers, William Carlson and Robert Carlson.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 1:30PM to 2:30PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Memorial Service will follow at 2:30 PM.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.