John E. Claus, 65, of 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, and former Big Bay and DeTour resident, entered eternal life Saturday, October 8, 2005, at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, where he resided.
John was born May 31, 1940 at the family farm in Crystal Falls, one of seven children of Donald and Rena K. (Povolo) Claus. He attended the Powell Township Grade School in Big Bay, graduating from the Eighth Grade in 1954 as Salutatorian. He was a 1959 graduate of the Graveraet High School in Marquette. John became a registered surveyor at age 16 and later worked at the Huron Mountain Club on the river crew and also as a carpenter. He joined the Michigan National Guard, later the US Navy and the US Army Airborne, where he served as a surveyor and heavy equipment operator, with his main MOS being in demolition. He was injured in a parachute jump and retired from the military due to disability. Throughout the years, John worked at a variety of jobs. He had worked as a steward at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago and also served as a fire marshal for the State of Illinois. He was also employed with Federal Fire Fight as a smoke jumper. John also worked as a plumber at various construction jobs all over the country and was responsible for helping to establish the high water level for Lake Superior at 602 feet above sea level for the Army Corps of Engineers.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Big Bay, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and the Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion. John was an avid cribbage player and, with his flowing white hair and beard, enjoyed being Santa Claus during the holiday season.
Survivors include:
Three sisters: Donna (Joseph) Aird of Gladstone; Adrene (Paul) Remali of Calumet; and Christine (Walter) Anderson of Marquette
Three brothers: Daniel (Mary Jane) Claus of Gilmanton, NH; Earl (Nancy) Claus of Marquette; and Robert (Wendy) Claus of Mass City
Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call at the chapel of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans on Wednesday, October 12, beginning at 12:00 noon. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm Wednesday afternoon in the chapel with Rev. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Inurnment will be made in the Powell Township Cemetery in Big Bay.
