ISHPEMING, MI – Clayton J. Kipling, age 93, of Ishpeming, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, at UP Health System – Marquette.

Clayton was born in Negaunee, Michigan, the son of Wesley and Lois (Langdon) Kipling. A lifelong Yooper, Clayton developed a passion for working on cars at an early age. After leaving school, he went straight to work turning wrenches, beginning what would become a lifelong career as a well-known and respected mechanic.

Clayton worked for numerous automotive shops throughout the area and was known for his ability to fix just about anything. His most recent place of employment before retiring was Hooper Stanaway Ford. For Clayton, working on cars was much more than a job; it was his passion. Even after a full day at work, he could usually be found heading straight to his garage to work on more vehicles. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one.

Above all else, Clayton deeply loved his family. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and made it a point to visit them every day. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend their sporting events and activities, and he cherished the time spent with them. His family was at the center of his life.

Clayton had a personality all his own and was certainly a character. His family will never forget his ability to make up his own songs and sing them at the top of his lungs. He enjoyed blueberry picking, watching the Green Bay Packers, snowmobiling, and taking rides through the woods.

Generous with his time and always willing to help others, Clayton leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and, most importantly, a deep love for his family. He will be remembered as a talented mechanic and a devoted family man who will be dearly missed.

Clayton is survived by his children, Clayton David (Valerie) Kipling, Lois (Steven) Champion, Dean Kipling, Kevin (Danielle) Kipling, and Rosemarie (Steven) Larson; grandchildren, Brenda Steve, Toni (Luke) Tikkanen, Cora (Armando) Bleau, Jacob Larson, and Caleb Larson; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Megan, Vivian, Juliet, and Scarlett; great-great-grandchildren, Mason, Attie, Stella, Wyatt Clayton, Caden, and Korbin; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Lois Kipling; his former wife, Helen; a sister, Charlene Kivisto; a brother, Burton Kipling; and his granddaughter, Sherry Steve.

A memorial service will be held at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home on Friday, November 6, 2026. Clayton’s family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00pm – 4:00pm, with the service beginning at 4:00pm. Pastor Scott Sherrill will officiate.

Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.

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