Carl "Big Mike" DeMink

Burial Date March 28, 2024
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 28, 2024, beginning at 11:30 AM, with Pastor Jim Dyke officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Interment will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery beginning at 1:00 pm. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Climax (a dish to pass is welcomed).Memorials may be made to the DeMink Family (checks payable to Analysa Godden), c/o the funeral home.
Age 69, passed away at Bronson Hospital on March 20, 2024. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on November 7, 1954, the son of the late Kenneth and Ruth (Helmer) Demink. Known as 'Big Mike', Carl was the life of the party, enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved a good fisherman's tale! He served our country with honor as a Marine and returned to make Southwest Michigan his home. He was a fisherman at heart and was most happy when hauling in a great catch on a sunny afternoon. He was a regular at Ray's Marina and participated in several fishing contests in the Ludington area. He had an adventurous side and liked hunting for Snapper Turtles followed by a turtle fry where all were welcome and was also an avid deer and turkey hunter. Carl worked hard as a drywaller for more than thirty years until having health issues. He was engaged to Jan Estes, his life partner for many years. Above all Carl loved his family and friends. He leaves behind happy memories which will be cherished by those who knew him. Carl is survived by his fiancé, Jan; sister, Jill and brother, Bob; stepsons, Robert Brown III and John McCormack; grandchildren, Mercedas Brown, Douglas Brown, Analysa (Kyle) Godden, Robert Brown, Logan Brown and Gabriella Mulder; great-grandchildren, in-laws, extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by a brother and sister.