Earl Klit

Earl was born on February 9, 1932 in Randolph, Nebraska to the late Jens and Thelma (Skow) Klit. He grew up in Iowa and relished working on tractors from the tender age of 10.

After graduating from the 8th grade, Earl decided to go to work full-time, eventually seeing employment as a welder and an iron worker during the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, a position he held for four years. Earl believed he was the last worker on the bridge prior to it being opened to vehicular traffic.

After the bridge opened, Earl and his family moved to Marquette where he was employed in iron work on new buildings at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and Northern Michigan University. When iron work became sparse in the area, Earl started his own excavating and construction business, installing swimming pools and building duplexes. When he eventually semi-retired, he and Esther spent many winters in Arizona and Florida.

Earl was very artistic and enjoyed doing wood carving and working with stain glass. Many of his creations still exist today. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer having accomplished five holes-in-one over the years.

Surviving are his three loving daughters, Kathie (Mike) Baker of Sarasota, FL, Debbie (Mike) Mattson and Kelly (Wayne) Greenleaf, both of Marquette; grandchildren, Amy (Adam) Burri, Michael (Sara) Baker, Matt (Brianna) Baker, Michele (Mark) Cavin, Terri Lorens, Mikki (Scott) Tiziani, Ken Mattson, Carrie (Jeff) Goodney, Chelsea (Noelle) Greenleaf, and David (Erika) Greenleaf, also 22 great grandchildren; one brother, Gerald Klit of Gladstone as well as several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents was his loving wife, Esther, in 2020 and a sister, Marie Hass.

A private graveside service will be held at Northland Chapel Gardens in Negaunee Township.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Earl’s memory.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Klit family where memories of Earl may be shared at canalefuneral.com