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Erik Vachon, age 78 of Baraga, MI passed away on August 17, 2019 at Houghton County Medical Care Facility.
He was born on June 29, 1941 in Detroit, MI, eldest son of Stanley and Jenny “Jingo” (Viitala) Vachon.
Erik grew up in Newkirk, NM, Escanaba, MI, St. Ignace, MI and Misery Bay, MI. He went to school at the Misery Bay school, Ursuline Academy in St. Ignace, and joined the Marine Corps in 1958, serving at Camp Pendelton, San Diego, CA. He later worked as an Auto Body Repairman and Painter, having his own garage in Bovine, MI in the 1980’s and retired from Kissel Chevrolet in L’Anse, MI.
He was a Ham radio operator (WD8ODP) and inventor, designing and building his own satellite tv system in 1981, solar collector supplying hot water for the home, wind charger which helped with the home’s electricity, and together with friend Stuart Lahti invented a chip burning wood stove which heated the home. He was a hard working and good husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, target shooting, hot rodding, 4-wheeling, rides on the backroads, regular coffee clutch with his buddy Tom Archambeau and friends, and his grandchildren and family.
Erik married Audrey Berger in 1965 in Adrian Michigan. They were happily married for 49 years, until Audrey’s death in 2014. She was the daughter of John and Betty “Goldie” (McIntyre) Berger of Blissfield MI.
Erik was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Jingo and his brothers Stanley Jr., John, and Victor Vachon.
Erik is survived by his son Steve (Sharon) Vachon of Plainfield, IL.; his daughter Lori (Wayne) Karvonen of Arnheim, MI; his grandchildren Scott and Tommy Vachon, and Caylin and Erik Karvonen; siblings Clara Vachon Braden of Marquette, MI, Phillip Vachon of Brighton, MI. Pamela Vachon Nault of Ishpeming MI, and Helmi Vachon Courtaide of Traverse City MI; numerous cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life memorial will be held at the Jacobson Funeral Home in L’Anse, on Friday, August 23rd at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Corey Litzner officiating. The family will be greeting friends and relatives for one hour prior to the service. Fellowship will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at the Toivola Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Toivola Fire Department.
Friends may sign Erik’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
