Kevin ‘Cal’ Carlson
NEGAUNEE, MI-Kevin William ‘Cal’ Carlson, of Negaunee, passed away peacefully November 2nd, 2025 at The Trillium House, following a three-and-a-half-year battle with ALS. He was surrounded by his family, friends, children and in the loving arms of his Wife, Sabina. He was born September 15, 1977 in Ishpeming to John ‘Yogi’ and Sandra (Aho) Carlson.
Kevin attended Ishpeming High School where he played tennis and basketball. He was a proud member of the 1995 State Championship basketball team. Kevin graduated from IHS in 1995 and attended Michigan State University, beginning his love for the Michigan State Spartans. Go Green! Upon graduation from MSU, Kevin worked at various jobs as an accountant in Madison, Wisconsin and Marquette. He later went on to earn his MBA, and held executive positions throughout his career at Upper Peninsula Health Plan, Bay College, MARESA, and finally at Munising Memorial Hospital.
In 2006, Kevin married Sabina ‘Beans’ Etelamaki and they began their life together in Negaunee. Kevin was always a giving, patient, and loving Father to his three children: Josie, Katie, and Eli. Watching his children meet and exceed each milestone was such a proud moment for him as a Dad. He loved watching them participate in all their activities, helping to coach baseball and basketball teams.
Kevin loved following the Michigan State Spartans and the Detroit Lions; he enjoyed playing cribbage, all board games and trivia, especially coming up with his own trivia questions for his friends. He took joy in founding and participating in the annual ‘man day’ with his great group of lifelong friends. He was known for his sense of humor, infectious laugh, witty comebacks, and winning bean bag arm.
Sadly, in 2022, Kevin was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s Disease. Although this disease took his body and eventually his life, it never took his incredible spirit.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Sabina, his children: Josephine, Katherine, and Elias, all at home; and his faithful dog Rosie. He is also survived by a sister, Sarah Carlson; mother and father-in-law, Mavina and John Etelamaki; brothers-in law and sisters-in law: Doug and Tanya Etelamaki, David and Christi Etelamaki, Daniel and Sarah Etelamaki, and Sarah and Kevin Kennerly; nieces and nephews: Jay Challa; Ryan Etelamaki, Maddie (Josh) Barnett, and Ally and Lily Etelamaki; Grady and Kenzie Etelamaki; Kaya, Payne, Piper and Dylan Etelamaki; Sigrid and Tucker Kennerly; great-nieces, Dayton and Demi Barnett; aunts and uncles: Sharon and Rick Engstrom, Ross and Barb Carslon; Godparents, Barb and Kathy Merrill; along with numerous cousins and so many special friends. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Brody Etelamaki; and aunts and uncles: Pete and Cathy Carlson, Norman Carlson and Ann Carlson.
The Carlson family would like to give special thanks to Cheryl and Elyssa and everyone at UP Home Health and Hospice as well as the staff at the Trillium House. The care they provided was exceptional.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 12:30 pm on Saturday, November 8th at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm with Rev. Tim Johnston and Rev. Bre Kinnunen officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Pallbearers will be all of his loyal ‘I Town’ boys. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Kevin’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.