Mervin "Merv" M. Klemett

Hancock Mervin M. "Merv" Klemett, 75, a well-known area resident of Hancock passed away Tuesday November 15, 2011, at the Cypress Manor Nursing Home in Hancock where he had been a patient for the past year and a half. He was born on February 12, 1936 in Baraga, a son of the late Martin and Vieno (Tiehinen) Klemett. As a child, Merv resided in Baraga, Baltic, Chassell and Hancock, where he graduated from the Hancock High School. He then attended Michigan Technological University. In 1956, he was united in marriage to the former Marlene Laurn. The couple made their home and raised their family in Hancock. Mervin was employed with the Book Concern for several years. He then was employed with several construction companies and retired from Mattila Construction in 1996. For several years, he wrote articles for the Gazette called "Baseball Hit & Run" and "The Blue Light Chatter" along with reporting athletic stats. Mr. Klemett was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock and Laborers Union Local #1329. He was well known for his involvement in area sports, helping organize and coach many baseball and hockey teams. In Twilight Baseball and the over 50 League-Baseball, he helped organize Twilight Old Timers games between the North and South with Paul Hill. He umpired, coached and played in many games. Merv managed several different twilight baseball teams, he played in the Twilight League for 40 years and quit when he could no longer run. He led the league in hitting 5 different times and helped develop many area players. He was also active with the local hockey community. He was a past vice president of Copper Country Junior Hockey. He had played goalie and other positions for the Portage Lake and Wolverine Hockey Teams. He was also the trainer for the Copper Country Chiefs. He helped promote Copper Country Old Timers Hockey Tournaments, enjoyed making hockey masks for goalies, and coaching his sons in hockey. For many years he ran a hockey rental every Wednesday and Friday. He also enjoyed ice fishing, river fishing, hunting, and berry picking. He was also very proud of his sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces with their accomplishments. Preceding him in death were his parents, his sons James and Roger, his great granddaughter Callie Brooks, and his brothers David and Rodney. Surviving are: His wife Marlene Klemett of Hancock His children: Kathy Kallio of Chassell Christine (Paul) Paananen of Chassell Paul (Mary Lynn) Klemett of Kalamazoo, MI His sisters: Elaine Peterson of Hancock Karen Oja of South Range Ann Klemett of Calumet His grandchildren: Lauren and Annika Klemett, Alan (Ashley) Klemett, Bryan and Katie Klemett, Guy (Heather) Paananen, Branden (Patty) Paananen, Shannon (Bob) Matson, Lindsay Clouthier, Brittany Kallio His great grandchildren Mialy and Abby Brooks and Donovan Dueweke, and Levi Paananen Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins Funeral services for Mervin will be held 11 am Saturday November 19, 2011, at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. Gerry Southerton to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock. Friend may call on Saturday November 19, 2011, from 9 am until time of services at the church. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Copper Country Humane Society, Cypress Manor, or Keweenaw Community Foundation c/o Copper Country Youth Endowment, P.O. Box 101, 326 Sheldon Ave., Houghton, MI 49931, in memory of Mervin M. Klemett. Mervin's family would like to thank the staff of Cypress Manor for the compassion and care given during his stay. To view Mervin's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net . The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.