Michael “Kelly” Henry Calouette (79) of Cal Valves passed away on January 1, 2018, and we all hope you remember him as the humble, kind hearted, unfiltered, straight shooter he was.
From a young age, he was always “wheelin’ and dealin’,” and was not only a successful entrepreneur for himself, but became the “go to” for many on advice for buying or selling things. Though he worked at Harnischfeger for 25 years, he loved being in business for himself. He founded Bay de Noc Machine, and then later cofounded Cal Valves with his son, Mark, in 1988. Cal Valves continues today as the family business.
Michael met his wife, Joyce (Brassick), at “a beer party in the woods.” They were married October 4th, 1958 and spent over 50 years raising four children, which eventually turned into a party of 31 and counting. To him, family was the most important thing in the world.
Survived by children, Fred (Linda) Calouette, Mark (Sandy) Calouette, Debbie Calouette, and Todd (Jill) Calouette; grandchildren, Michelle (John) Kruzel, Samantha Frederick, Desiree Calouette, Cully Calouette, Casey (Jenny) Calouette, Katy (Clem) Larson, Amy Calouette (Stephanie Arduin), Jacob Calouette, Heather Calouette, and Cole Calouette; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Joan Lee of Gladstone; brothers, John (Joan) Calouette of Danforth, and Don (Sharon) Calouette of Gladstone; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by wife, Joyce (Brassick) Calouette; parents, Chester and Margaret (Gunter) Calouette; brother, Robert Calouette; and sister, Bonnie Teal.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba, MI. Funeral services celebrating the life of Michael will follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Jamie Ziminski officating. A reception will be held afterward at Pacino’s Food and Spirits located in the Magnuson Grand Pioneer Inn and Suites in Escanaba. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials please be directed to The Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul.