Carl Allen St. Onge

Carl was born in Gwinn on April 18, 1929, to the late Russell St. Onge and Edna (Carpenter) St. Onge. He grew up in a close-knit community where he learned the values of responsibility, loyalty, and doing one’s best-qualities he carried with him throughout his life.

On September 16, 1950, Carl married his wife, Lois, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Together they built a strong and steady partnership that lasted more than seven decades. Their home in Chocolay Township was filled with the noise, energy, and warmth of a large family, and raising their six children was the great pride of Carl’s life. He supported them in every way he could, always ready to lend a hand, listen to a problem, or offer the practical guidance they had come to depend on. His children knew that if they needed him, he would be there-no hesitation, no questions asked.

Carl worked in construction for many years and eventually founded St. Onge & Sons, a business he built alongside his five sons. He was known for his steady work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to teach and mentor. Through the business, he passed along not only trade skills but also the importance of dependability, honesty, and taking pride in one’s work. Many in the community came to respect the St. Onge name because of the standards Carl set and lived by.

Carl will be remembered as a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a man who always put his family first. His legacy lives on in the strength, unity, and values he instilled in everyone who knew and loved him. Carl was also renowned for his extravagant, award-winning Christmas light displays-a passion he joyfully continued well into his 90s.

Carl and Lois were devoted animal lovers who always had at least two pets of their own-and often one or two more left behind by their children when they moved out.

In his younger years, Carl enjoyed playing baseball and bowling, participating in several bowling leagues and even winning a few trophies along the way. Later in life, he found joy in quieter pastimes: working on puzzles, watching old westerns and The Learning Channel on TV, and playing cards. His favorite game was Kings in the Corner, which he continued to play with his family right up to the end.

Carl is survived by his six children, David (Debby) St. Onge, Gail Acocks, Donald (Beth) St. Onge, Steven (Jan) St. Onge, Daryl (Tammy) St. Onge, and James (Kelly) St. Onge all of Marquette; 14 grandchildren, Stephanie Carlson, Stacy (Mark) Cowan, Shelby (Kurt) Hillier, Shannon (Chris) Jackson of Marquette, Neal (Laurie) St. Onge of Minnesota, Maisie (Cory) Rodgers of Tennessee, Amy (Ricky) Riley of Florida, Matthew (Kim) St. Onge, Danielle (Cody) Langdon, Brianna (Nick) Benson, Jordan St. Onge, Alex St. Onge, Theresa (Jerry) Hassell and Roy Sicotte of Marquette; 25 great-grandchildren, Tammi Lynne (Josh) Swatsell, Ryan (Kaitlin) Carlson, Caitlyn Carlson, Carleigh (Avery) Eskelinen, Tyler and Ryleigh Jackson, Carter, Charlotte and Alyse St. Onge, Jameson Rodgers, Braydon and Allie Riley, Hailey, Hannah and Morgan St. Onge, Crew and Azalea Langdon, Beau, Warren and Wells Benson, Madyson and Oaklynn St. Onge, Jadyn, Jenna and Evan Hassell and five great-great grandchildren, Mason and Brody Swatsell, Asher and Jett Eskelinen and Brooks Carlson. Also surviving are his sisters Marilyn Kramer of Magnolia, Texas, Joyce Kaleel of Sterling Heights, Michigan, sister-in-law Jacqueline St. Onge of Friendship, Wisconsin and his beloved canine babies Mork and Mindy.

Preceding him in death besides his parents were Russell (Arlie) St. Onge, Donald (Jean) St. Onge, Arnold (Alice) St. Onge, Eugene St. Onge, Wallace St. Onge, Alvin St. Onge, sisters Pauline (Albert) Koepp, Bernice (Clyde) Anderson brothers-in-law James Kramer, Michael Kaleel and Albert DeVooght, grandson Adam St. Onge and great-grandson Daren Hillier.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Dave Pesola and his staff for their exceptional and compassionate care, giving them the priceless gift of many extra months with their father and grandfather. Carl genuinely enjoyed his time with Dr. Pesola, describing him as ‘a real guy’ that shared his love of heavy equipment.

Carl’s children would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his granddaughters-Stephanie, Stacy, Shelby, and Shannon-affectionately known to their grandfather as -The Girls.’ Their unselfish devotion, countless hours of care, and the love they shared with him meant more than words can express. Carl especially treasured their company on ‘Spa Sundays,’ which brought him so much joy.

The family would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Carl’s daughter-in-law, Kelly. For ten months, five days a week, she cared for him with tenderness, devotion, and just the right touch of sass that always made him smile. In that time, the two of them formed a bond that was genuine and unbreakable. Her love and commitment allowed Carl to spend his final months in the home he built and loved for 55 years, and for that, the family is forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UPAWS, 815 South M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Wednesday, December 10, beginning at 9:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Rev. Tom Merkel, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in Father Gauthier Hall. Entombment will be made at Northland Chapel Gardens.

Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com