Erland John Splan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Erand John Splan on May 30th, 2025, at 92 years of age. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that will forever remain in our hearts. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in honoring a life well-lived.
Erland was born in his parents' house in St, Ignace Michigan on the kitchen table on April 4th, 1933. He grew up traveling with his parents while they were seeking employment. Would travel to Saskatchewan Canada by hoping the railways and would travel back and forth from St Ignace or Sault Saint Marie to Detroit. As a teen he continued to travel to Detroit to be with friends & the love of his life Joan Splan.
As a child while living in St Ignace he worked making fishing boxes, selling newspapers & working the docks as a free-lance baggage handler. While living in Sault Ste. Marie during WWII he would run for food for the troops guarding the Soo locks & this is where he learned how to shoot Craps.
As a teen in the summer Erland worked & played hard from entering a swimming race from St Ignace to Mackinaw city in which he received a metal and scholarship to working on the boats to Mackinac Island. Also, worked at a sawmill as a foreman before starting work on a Great Lakes Freighter the Clevland Cliff's Colonel as a Fireman.
In 1953, Erland was drafted in the United States Army and served as an Artillery Gunner during the Korean War. Upon return from Korea, he passed his Carpenter License exam & started working in concrete for various companies doing buildings, roads & bridges. Eventually starting his own Construction business.
On June 8, 1957, Erland married Joan Marie Louys at Visitation Catholic Church in Detroit, MI. and together, they shared 55 years of cherished memories and boundless love.
Erland was a man of diverse interests and passions. Whether he was pursuing his love for Boating/Sailing, exploring the great outdoors, or indulging in his favorite pastimes, he lived life to the fullest. His zest for adventure and his curiosity about the world around him were infectious, inspiring all who knew him to embrace life's joys and embrace new experiences.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church & a member, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians & United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 687 Detroit MI
Loving husband of the late Joan (née Louys) Splan & dear father of late Michele Splan. Loving father Stephanie Splan, Scott Splan, and Michael (Sheilah) Splan; grandfather of Caleb Ezell, Rebecca Splan, Andrew Splan, Michael Splan Jr, and Kaylee Splan; preceded in death by his siblings: Betty Fay Splan, Mary Ellen Andress, Vivian Andress Oberle, Georgiana Andress Drouillard, Ronald Wilson Splan, Tanjore E. Splan Jr., and William J. Splan. In the tapestry of our lives, Erland has woven a beautiful story of love, strength, and resilience. His spirit will forever live on, continuing to inspire us and reminding us of the importance of family, love, and living a life filled with purpose.
Please join us honoring the life of Erland J Splan and sharing stories of his remarkable journey.
Funeral mass will be Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, Waterford. Burial follows at All Saints Cemetery, Waterford. The family will receive friends Friday, June 6 from 4-8 PM at COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.
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