Champion – Clarence A. Tarvainen, age 78, most recently of 201 Cherry Creek, in Chocolay Twp. and longtime Champion resident passed away on Sunday May 15, 2011 at Cypress Manor in Hancock, MI where he had resided since this past March.


Clarence was born on October 27, 1932 in Covington the son of the late Arvid and Aili (Maki) Tarvainen. He grew up in Covington and was a graduate of the L'Anse High School, Class of 1950. He married Josephine (Milliken) on August 13, 1956 at the Corpus Cristi Church in Barnstable, MA. They made their first home in Osterville, MA and together they had five children while residing in Massachusetts. After Josephine's death in 1971 he moved back to this area in 1972. Clarence ran the Tarvainen Construction Co. for many years, building homes, garages, additions, etc… He was an avid golfer in his younger years and was quiet the outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. He was never one to stop and let the grass grow under his feet and kept active doing many woodworking projects including making furniture, puzzle's and doing basket weaving.


Survivors include 4 children – Michael Tarvainen of Champion, Donald Tarvainen of Hampton, VA, Sharon (Dan) Chartier of Marquette and David (Diane) Tarvainen of Champion, a sister Marilyn Hatara of Georgia, a brother Robert (Mary) Tarvainen of Covington, 9 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a son James in 2002, and 2 sisters – Helen Slinger and Sadie Rosten.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 4 until 6pm on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 6:00pm on Wednesday with the Rev. Steve Hulke to officiate. Interment will take place at the Covington Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the servcies at the Humboldt Twp. Hall.