Ely Twp. – Leslie R. "Les" Warlin, age 76, of 20619 Co. Rd. 496 in Ely Twp. (Snowville Loc.) passed away on Thursday July 19, 2007 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette where he had resided since March 1st.

Leslie was a graduate of Republic High School in 1951 and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Les married Jean Alice Johnson on August 14, 1954. He worked for the mining companies in Marquette County, MI - Blueberry Mines under North Range Mining, Tracy Mine under Jones & Laughlin, and the Cleveland Cliffs Mining Co. at the Mather B, Republic, Tilden and Empire Mines, retiring as a production truck driver. He was a member of the American Legion Post #114.

Les spent many happy hours fishing on the Michigamme River and Lake Superior, and hunting at the Johnson and Warlin camps. Whatever the season, he could render verses of poems he learned in school, or from the Robert Service book of poems and quotes and from the John Voelker novels, thanks to the Republic school teachers who encouraged the treasures to hide in ones heart.

Leslie had a collection of military histories from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to the present time. He carved gun stocks and walking canes and always had an eye for a good piece of wood to work with. Les's sling-shot was always hanging ready for the crows. He was a loving father, grandfather, and husband. Les was a member of the Bethel Lutheran church and a man of faithful prayer for family and others. He began his evening prayers with the Apostles Creed to affirm his belief then the Lord's Prayer followed by asking God to guide and guard his loved ones. Les rarely included himself in prayers, except to petition for another day. Les appreciated the home visits of the Bethel Lutheran pastors who served him Holy Communion and the Scriptures.

Survivors included Les's wife of 52 years Jean Wrlin of Ely Twp., a daughter: Lana L. (Gerald) Gooding of LeRoy, Illinois, a son: Dean L. (Nancy) Warlin of Sodus, MI, grandchildren: Jonathan Gooding, Matthew and Sierra Warlin, sister: Elvie Warlin of Negaunee, brothers: James Warlin of Springbrook, WI, Bernard (Ruth) Warlin of West Allis, WI, and Melvin (Dina) Warlin of Michigamme, and a brother-in-law Kenneth (Barbara) Johnson of Clarksburg.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Elsie Martti and a brother William Warlin.


Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday July 23, 2007 at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.


Friends may call at the Bethel Lutheran Church from 10:00am until the time of services on Monday where the American Legion will hold a memorial service at 10:30a.m.


Pallbearers will be Ronald & Don Hamari, David Warlin and Ray Mattson Sr.


The family of Leslie Warlin would like to thank the U.P. Home Health and Hospice for their special care. Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Les's Memory.


The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.