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ISHPEMING, MI – Gary Lee Vidlund, 72, of Ishpeming, passed away Friday morning, September 18th, 2026 at UP Health System in Marquette while in the care of his loving family.
Gary was born September 27, 1953 in Ishpeming to Arthur and Theresa (Honka) Vidlund and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1972. He then attended Northern Michigan Univeristy’s Skill Center, graduating as an automotive mechanic. He worked for Hornbogan Auto Sales in Negaunee prior to beginning his career with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. Gary began working underground at the Mather B in 1973, eventually retiring from the Empire Mine with 31 years of service.
Following retirement, Gary took to mountain biking, volunteering and helping develop the RAMBA Trail Network in the Old Town area. He loved walking the trails with his girlfriend, Ethel. His most recent passion was volunteering at the Cliff Shaft Mine Museum In Ishpeming. He enjoyed teaching the local mining history through tours and presentations at the museum, in the schools and on the trails. Gary loved his coffee clutching, from the ‘Table of Love’ at Midtown Bakery to Cliffs Shaft and McDonald’s, he enjoyed visiting with everyone. Most importantly, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Paulette (Beatty) Vidlund; children: Jenne (Coby) Beauchaine, AJ (Angie) Vidlund, Stevie (Adam) Nelson, Gary (Megan) Vidlund, Scott (Nicole) Jette and Jeff (Brandy) Jette; grandchildren: Isaac Beauchaine, Jackson and Luke Vidlund, Liam Bridges, Jared and Gracie Nelson, Wilson and Sophia Liss, and Allison Jette; his brother, Jim Vidlund; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Theresa and Orvo Krook; his father and step-mother, Arthur and Carolyn Vidlund; his sister, Nancy Vidlund; and two brothers: Steve and Rick Vidlund.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24th from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm at Koskey Funeral Home with funeral services to begin at 2:30 pm with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. A reception luncheon will follow at St. Paul Catholic Church Gymnasium. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Gary’s memory to Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum, UP Pink Power, and/or RAMBA Trails.
Gary’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.