Carl F. Lemin Jr.

Carl was born Oct. 25, 1933, in Ishpeming, son of Carl and Katherine Lemin. He graduated from Ishpeming High School and later graduated from Northern Michigan University with a teaching degree. On June 15, 1974, he married Jacqueline Balzarini.

Carl played many high school sports and excelled in all of them. He was also a very good ski jumper, and he loved the fact he jumped off of Pine Mountain. Carl, also known as “Crafty,” was a premier fastpitch pitcher. He met and made many close friends during that time, and he played the sport the same way he coached: the purpose of the game is to win; to dilute the will to win is to destroy the purpose of the game.

Carl’s first teaching job was in Felch, where he taught social studies and coached basketball and high school baseball. He later became the principal of Felch schools, and when the schools combined, he became the first principal of North Dickinson where he remained for 29 years.

He also served as athletic director and coach, during which time he touched many lives with his style of coaching and direct teaching, especially inspiring the young athletes he worked with. Upon retiring from North Dickinson he was given a lifetime pass to all ND games, his own chair and parking spot, and the greatest gift of all: the naming of the school gym after him. Thank you to all Nordic Fans; he will always be a Nordic.

After retiring from ND he went to Kingsford to coach basketball where he would once again touch many young lives with his style of coaching and strict discipline. He then returned to ND where he coached girls and boys basketball for many years. His Nordics loved him and surely learned to be better people by knowing him. One of his players once said, “Mr. Lemin gave us a Christmas present — he let us get a drink of water during practice.” He would bring out whatever talent his players had; he knew everything going on with his players. He even kept many pictures of his teams, and he still knew every one of his players’ names, remembering everyone he ever coached.

Carl also enjoyed golfing at Oak Crest with his son-in-law, John, Bill Menza, and many friends. He put in many rounds of golf and yes, he counted every one of them. Almost every night Carl could be found at some type of sporting event, either as a spectator or a volunteer. Carl and Jackie enjoyed many trips to the casino and spending time watching their sports and playing cribbage.

Carl is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jackie; his daughter, Debby (John) and their children, John, Bryan, and Laura and her sons, Steven and Dalton; Jon and his children, Logan and Erin; Don and his sons, Nicholas and Nathan; Tom (Yvonne) and their children, Andrew and Amanda; and Marie and her daughter, Mya; 10 great-grandchildren, Brianna, Jordan, Miley, Alexis, Lauren, Shelby, Koen, Bronson, Landon, and Marshall; sister, Judy; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his in-laws, Verna and Charlie; his brother-in-law, Chas; his sister, Shirley; granddaughter, Brianne; his niece, Pamela; brothers-in-law, Stuart and Robert; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer.

The family would like to thank his card buddies, coffee buddies, great friends, sports buddies, his Nordic family, Dr. Schroeder, Dr. Olson, Dr. Morel, Dr. Hamidi, and Dr. Shaker. The family also hopes you can join them to celebrate Carl’s life; please come with a story to share and feel free to wear your athletic attire.

Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. with a closing prayer at 4 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Carl F. Lemin online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.