MELVIN G. "MEL" CLEM

MELVIN G. “MEL” CLEM, 76, of Baraga passed away Monday evening, November 7, 2005 at his residence surrounded by his family. He had been ill for several months. Mel was born in Detroit, MI. on October 13, 1929 to the late Allen and Irene (Martin) Clem. He attended school in Detroit. Mel was a veteran of the US Army. He married the former Jean Maki in L’Anse on June 14, 1975. Mel worked at Celotex in the shipping department until his retirement in 1983. Following his retirement, he was employed at the Ojibwa Casino. Mel was a former volunteer fireman in Arvon Township. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and woodworking. Mel also enjoyed playing pinochle. He formerly played basketball on the Old Timers League, and the Classic Bowling League. He was a avid Lions football and Redwings fan. His first love was his grandchildren and his dog “Peepers” Mr. Clem is survived by his loving wife, Jean, children, Robert (Darlene) Duschaine of Baraga, Ronald Duschaine of Naples, Fl., Steven Clem and Jay Clem, Jean Marie Duchaine of Marquette, Jerri Lynn Duschaine of Florida, and Melanie Clem, 11 grandchildren including, Darren, Kyle, Derek, Tyler, Dylan, Tanya, Ashley, Clarissa, Janell, Jessica, 6 brothers, and 1 sister. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his son, 2 grandsons, B.J. and Kal, 4 brothers, and 1 sister. Funeral services for Mr. Clem were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2005 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Father George Maki officiating. Interment will take place in the Assinins Cemetery. The family received friends on Friday, November 11, 2005 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse from 6 until 8 p.m. and for 1 hour prior to the services on Saturday. A military service, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444 was held Friday evening at 6 p.m. followed by a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. in the funeral chapel. The family suggests memorials in Mr. Clem’s honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes were available at the funeral home. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with arrangements.