Obituary: Clyde W. Elmblad

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Clyde W. Elmblad, age 64, of L’Anse, Michigan, passed away Friday, November 18, 2022, at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, on December 7, 1957, to Clyde and Alyce (Oja) Elmblad. Clyde graduated from L’Anse High School in 1976 and briefly attended Northern Michigan University. He sailed on the Great Lakes aboard the William Clay Ford from 1978 – 1980. Clyde joined the US Navy, where he achieved his Pharmacy Technician license and began working in the Submarine Base Naval Hospital pharmacy in Groton, Connecticut, from 1984 – 1987. In the spring of 1987, he and his former wife, Wendy (Bannister) Stellato, welcomed their daughter, Megan Elmblad, who immediately became the light of his life. During that same year, he was diagnosed with a chronic neurological disease which he bravely fought for 35 years. Clyde remained positive and determined in a way that inspired many. He eventually retired in 1989 and dedicated his life to raising his daughter.

Clyde was a big softie who loved children and animals, owning several dogs over his lifetime that he considered family. He frequently donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Copper Country Humane Society. Clyde also enjoyed local history, genealogy, and website development. He used his skills to create a website for the Baraga County Historical Museum and “A Photo History of Baraga County” page on social media. His contributions to local history were even credited in the book series “Superior Heartland, A Backwoods History,” by C. Fred Rydholm.

Clyde is survived by his parents Clyde and Alyce (Oja) Elmblad of L’Anse; daughter Megan Elmblad of Raleigh, North Carolina; siblings Matthew (Gwenn) Elmblad of L’Anse, David Elmblad of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mark (Carol) Elmblad of St. Ignace, Rebecca (Larry) Bergwall of Marquette, William (Tracey) Elmblad of Marquette; and his beloved dog Trixie. Clyde was preceded in death by his grandparents Matti Oja, Lyyli (Pulkki) Oja, Danford Elmblad, and Anne (Peterson) Elmblad; cousin Steve “Linker” Elmblad; and close friends Lamar Warren and John Dault.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel in L’Anse with Pastor Mark Broberg of NorthIron Church officiating. A visitation at the funeral home will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a military service at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Copper Country Humane Society in his honor.

Clyde’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.