Michael "Kelly" Henry Calouette (79) of Gladstone passed January 1, 2018. He was very vocal about the things he did not care for--politicians, hospitals, lawyers, and long, sappy obituaries topping the list. In his honor, we'll try to keep this authentic to his real nature, which if you ever had the chance to meet him, you'd know is hard to forget.

He spent his early years chasing girls until he met the love of his life, 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.

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. 

Survived by children, Fred (Linda) Calouette of Gladstone, Mark (Sandy) Calouette of Escanaba, Debbie Calouette of Gladstone, and Todd (Jill) Calouette of Gladstone; 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.

Though he was long winded and generous in his story telling, he would not have wanted us to waste our time writing about his many past accomplishments and passions. Nor he wouldn't have wanted you to waste your time reading them. In fact, if he were to write his own obituary it would read, "Mike is gone. The end."

And we all hope you remember him as the humble, kind hearted, unfiltered, straight shooter he was.

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. 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. 

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