Eugene “Gene” Carollo

He was born Aug. 11, 1928, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Bert and Annie (DeManicor) Carollo. Gene was a lifelong resident of Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School with the Class of 1946. He served in the Army Aircorps during the Korean War, served as Michigan DNR Commissioner, and he helped build the Chamber of Commerce building, which he was very proud of.

Gene was a lifelong businessman and had a passion for land development. Among his projects were McDonalds, the Midtown Mall, Wendys, Econo Foods, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and the Holiday Gas Station.

He was a pioneer with his family in the local tourism business, which included Berts Motel and Gas Station, the Rancho Motel, and the Holiday Motel – the first in the area to include an outdoor pool for its guests – and the Mine Shaft Restaurant, all of Iron Mountain. He started the Treasure Cities Gift Shops throughout Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and seven Sandy’s restaurants throughout the Midwest. He was the very proud owner of the Iron Mountain Iron Mine (Big John) in Vulcan, which spawned iron mine attractions at the Minnesota, Illinois, and Massachusetts state fairs. He was instrumental with finding land to build the new Dickinson County Hospital.

He loved hunting, fishing and trapping. He had hunted all over the world, including Africa, China, and Russia.

He is survived by the love of his life of 46+ years, Judy Erickson, and her daughter, Julie Ann Abraham-Crikelair; three sons, Gene Carollo, Dean Carollo, and Jim (Lisa) Carollo, all of Iron Mountain; two daughters, Kay Anne Timbrook of Kingsford and Karen (Tony) Secinaro of Iron Mountain; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gene is also survived by favorite nephew, Dennis Carollo, and special friends, Paul Swanson and Ernie Vivio.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Albert (Jane) Carollo; grandson, Christopher Carollo; and son-in-law, Michael Timbrook.

At Gene’s request, there will be no services. As per his wishes, donations may be given to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iron Mountain.

Condolences to the family of Eugene Roy Carollo may be expressed online at emashfuneralhomes.com.

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