Clarence E. "Clem" Laurila

Republic, MI - Clarence E. "Clem" Laurila, age 79, longtime Republic resident, passed away at 12:24am Tuesday, February 20th, 2007 while in the company of his family at Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming, where he resided for the past 4 years.
Mr. Laurila was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on September 3, 1927, the son of the late Karl and Hilda (Palomaki) Laurila. He was a graduate of the Champion High School, Class of 1945. Clem served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the European Theater of operations. He married the late Barbara J. Consul on June 17, 1950.
Clarence had been an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic where he had been involved with the Men's group and the choir. He was employed as head custodian / bus driver at Republic - Michigamme School District in Republic for 22 years retiring in 1986. Clarence enjoyed fishing and horseshoe's, and had been active in the Boy Scout's.
Survivors include two sons - Duane (Gail) Laurila of Troy, MI., Doug (Wendy) Laurila of Lilburn, GA; 5 Grandchildren - Dana (Michael) Jones, Michelle, Haley Jo, Dara, and Jordan Laurila, 1 Great Grandson - Luke Jones, along with several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Laurila on Oct. 23, 2006, along with 8 brothers and sisters.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Katherine Finegan officiating. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bethany Lutheran Church from 9:30am until the time of services on Saturday.
Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church in Clarence's memory.
Clarence's obituary may also be viewed at www.BjorkandZhulkie.com where friends may sign his Guest Book and leave a note of remembrance.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.