Lon Cary Laken

He was preceded by his father, Robert A. Laken, his mother, Audrey R. Laken, and brother, Michael. He is survived by his son, Andrew Laken, and granddaughter Oakleigh Laken, as well as siblings Robert, Jerry, and Lori, nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.

Lon graduated from Gwinn High School and received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, majoring in accounting. He was proud of his education and a devoted Michigan football and basketball fan. After college, he spent time working in California and New Jersey, where he was an Accounting Supervisor at the New Jersey Transit before returning to Michigan. Happy to be back from the coasts, Lon served for many years as Controller at the Marquette Board of Light and Power. Lon was smart, technically-minded, and straightforward. He believed every question had a right answer and was never afraid to share his perspective on things! Fortunately, he was usually right.

Lon was an avid outdoorsman and loved the Upper Peninsula. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his dogs, and being in the Crystal Falls area, which he described as heavenly. The harder a place was to get to, the more worthwhile it was to be. He also loved exploration by alternative modes of transportation. He used to bring children in the family along for snowmobile rides and mudding in jeeps. He loved camping and fishing trips to Long Lake, and hunting and fishing near cabins by the Net and Paint Rivers. He went often, especially with his brothers and dad. He was the kind of person who could find and appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary, a nature-lover who would share photos of the moon from the deck of the home he loved.

In addition to nature, Lon loved good food, good music, and a good time. He dreamed of fresh seafood from the East Coast and enjoyed visiting Thills Fish House and the Marquette Farmer’s Market. He had an extensive record, CD, and digital music collection. He was often sharing about the new speakers he got or would have someone listen to a song when they came over. Radio in the car was a must (along with a clean windshield, one of his pet peeves). And, his tastes were diverse. He could appreciate everything from classic rock to pop ballads to Irish folk music.

Lon was also passionate about preserving the past and family traditions. He was the keeper of the family recipes, including dumplings and pasty and stews. He was also a very good cook himself. He made pickles, cudighi, salmon, spaghetti, pumpkin pie, and excellent lasagna but would always claim his mother’s was better. He was a devoted son, especially a mama’s boy, and sought to preserve the places his parents loved most after they passed. He also wanted to pass along these traditions to the next generation.

Lon could come across as brusque at times, but he was also quite sentimental and loved a good laugh. He was very attached to his son and granddaughter, and took care of his son during hard times. He was beyond proud to be a grandpa and adored his granddaughter. He would share pictures and brag, as all the best grandparents do, about what a lovely young woman she would become. He also had a great big smile and signature chuckle that came easily in response to any joke, especially his own. He liked making others laugh – from family and friends to acquaintances or even strangers in the grocery store – and enjoyed sharing stories and jokes.

Lon’s personality, presence, and steadfastness left an impact on many. His friends and family will think of him often, especially when they enjoy the beautiful places he once did, hear a good tune, or have some delicious food. He will be deeply missed.

A private ceremony will be held with his close family members. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Lon’s honor to a charity of your choice that supports conservation, outdoor recreation, or local community needs in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com