Clark Linn

Born on May 24, 1941, in Marquette, Clark learned the value of hard work at an early age, beginning his first job at just 11 years old to help support his family. Through determination, grit, and an unwavering work ethic, he built a remarkable life and career. After years at the Groveland Mine, where he proudly served as union president and advocated for working families, he became a successful industrial pump salesman whose work took him across the country, even having pump components named after him. After “retirement,” he founded UP Pump and continued serving customers throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin well into his 80s.

On Aug. 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Joan Hyland, his sweetheart since junior high. Married for nearly 65 years, Clark and Joan were true partners in every sense. Whether at a wedding, party, or local event, they could always be found hand in hand on the dance floor. No matter where work or hobbies took him, Clark always made sure to call Joan and tell her he loved her.

Clark’s greatest joy was his family. He wasn’t just a grandfather — he was a best friend, role model, fishing partner, motivator, and biggest cheerleader to his grandchildren. He made friends wherever he went. Always quick with comebacks, he loved to laugh and tease and didn’t mind laughing at himself, too.

His favorite place in the world was camp — his slice of heaven where he loved gathering family and friends. He enjoyed teaching his sons and grandsons in the woods and on the water, and nothing made him happier than seeing someone else return to camp with a buck or a stringer of fish. Clark also loved baseball and golf, coaching Little League, sponsoring countless local teams over the years, and supporting community charity golf outings.

Clark’s faith was deeply important to him. A faithful parishioner of American Martyrs Catholic Church, he devoted time each morning to prayer and faced his final illness with courage, grace, and gratitude for those who cared for him.

Clark is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Joan (Hyland) and two of their children, Mary (Mark Balcer) and John Linn; five grandchildren, Cari (JT Meadows), Catherine (Kollin Petrie), Joseph Linn, Allen Linn, and Emma Linn; and six great-grandchildren; siblings Patsy Nault, Peggy (Bruce) Baker, Donna Milis, Donald (Bev) Nault, Darwin (Louise) Nault, and Dale (Chris) Nault; as well as many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Linn; and his siblings, Karen (Linn) Duford and Jim Nault.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 26, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford, with Father Greg Heikkala officiating. Burial will be at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory.

Condolences to the family of Clark Linn may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

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