CHAMPION, MI – Clayton John Anderson, Jr., age 77, of Champion, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the MediLodge of Munising.

Clayton, better known simply as "John", was born on May 29th, 1948, in Cicero, IL, to the late Clayton and Martha (Basham) Anderson Sr.

John loved the outdoors and was happiest gathered around a large bonfire with friends and family. He made his living climbing and cutting trees, a job that suited his fearlessness of heights and love of the thrill. A line from his high school class motto, "The higher the climb, the broader the view," stayed with him throughout his life.

John and his wife, Johnene "Sunny," were inseparable companions on the road; they traveled by every means available and collected stories wherever they went. Their honeymoon—hopping freight trains from Minnesota to Oregon—set the tone for a life of adventure. While living on a Chippewa reservation, they were even asked if they would like to be adopted; John's warm reply was, "Thank you but we have our own tribe." Through decades of travel, work, and shared laughter, John and Sunny built a life full of memories they treasured and never would have traded.

John also worked within the prison ministries of Ichthus and Kairos. He loved the Lord as his personal Savior.

Clayton is survived by his wife of 48 years, Johnene "Sunny" Anderson; his daughter, Dawn M. Varty of Big Bay; sons, Aaron V. Anderson and his youngest son Christopher R. Anderson both of Ishpeming; seven grandchildren; his sisters, Judith (Joseph) Helwig of Republic, Barbara (Jim) Revello of Ishpeming, and Karen (Dennis) Howe of Diorite; a brother, Paul (Towanda) Anderson of De Pere, WI; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Martha Anderson; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Christiansen; and his eldest son, Carl Edward Anderson.

A celebration of Clayton's life will take place in the Spring at the Humboldt Township Hall. Details will be forthcoming.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.