Samuel Fredrick (Sam) Champion

Samuel was born in National Mine, on March 4, 1935, a son of the late Ruth (Blight) and Thomas H. Champion. Sam worked for Cleveland Cliffs at various locations which included the old Tilden Pit, Ohio Mine, Mather B Mine and retired from the Eagle Mills Pellet Plant.

Sam was a former member of the Tilden Club, he played for the Paradise Bar in the Ishpeming horseshoe league, cribbage league and pool league.

He also played and umpired softball for many years and was an avid Detroit Tiger and Lions fan. Sam enjoyed time spent at his camp on Long Lake.

Sam is survived by a daughter, Caroline (Roger) Cole, of Stanwood, MI; three sons Alan (Susan) Champion, of National Mine; David (Lois Kipling) Champion, of Ishpeming; William (Jody) Champion, of Green Creek Location, 8 Grandchildren, Matthew and Samuel Champion, Kaitlyn Keto, Jason (Jennifer) Collins, Brianna Cole, Elaina Cole, Thomas and Chad Champion, 4 great grandchildren: Landen, Aiden, Ethan, and Addelyn, two brothers, Ronald Champion, of Iron Mountain, MI; Roy Champion, of Maryland, several nieces and nephews and his canine companion “Skippy”.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, wife Corrine (Hill) Champion, sisters: Alice Jacobson, Helen Wickstrom and Janice Heikkila Taylor, 2 brothers: Thomas Jr. and Clyde Champion.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home starting at 4:30 PM. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 PM with Fr. Ryan Ford to officiate.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Sam’s family would like to thank Dr. Grossman and the staff at MCMCF for the wonderful care provided to Sam.

Sam’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.