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UPDATE: A graveside service for Mae M. LaRue will be held 1:00 pm Saturday June 13, 2026, at the Atlantic Mine Cemetery with L.L.M. Elaine Hendrickson to officiate.
Mae M. LaRue, 95, a former resident of Atlantic Mine, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Woodland Heaven, of Canal View — Houghton County, where she had been a resident patient.
She was born on October 27,1930, in Atlantic Mine, MI, a daughter of the late Eino and Anna (Saalasti) Kaiponen. Mae was raised in Atlantic Mine and was a graduate of Jeffers High School. She also attended Soumi College later on in her life.
On July 24, 1948, Mae was united in marriage to Floyd LaRue. The couple moved to the Chicago area and Mae worked for Motorola Company. They returned to the Copper Country and lived in both Houghton and White Pine, eventually returning to Atlantic Mine. On March 25, 2018, Floyd preceded Mae in Death.
Locally, Mrs. LaRue had worked as a Nurse’s Aide at St. Joseph’s Hospital and as a Housekeeper for Michigan Technological University until her retirement.
Mrs. LaRue was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Atlantic Mine. She enjoyed hand work projects such as sewing, knitting and various crafts. She also enjoyed dancing, especially the polka with Floyd.
Preceding her in death were her husband Floyd, grandson Jesse Optenberg, and her brother David Kaiponen (Ontonagon), along with her parents.
Surviving are:
Her children: Sandra (Lance) Optenberg of Madison, WI
Denise Connell of Ironwood, MI
Steven LaRue of Newberg, WI
Richard LaRue of Atlantic Mine, MI
Judy (Michael Fik) LaRue of Toivola, MI
10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren
Her sister Carole (Lee) Perigo of Oregon
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements, which will be announced at a later time.
To view Mae’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please
visit https://www.memorialchapel.net.
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