Carolyn Kerttu

She was the cherished wife of Charles Kerttu for 50 years, a loving grandmother known as “Meme,” a proud great-grandmother and a beloved aunt, sister, cousin, and second mom to many.

Sue was born on Nov. 3, 1956, at Calumet Public Hospital in Laurium, to parents Clifford and Barbara Perreault of Centennial Location.

While attending Calumet High School, she met the love of her life Chuck Kerttu in 1972 and graduated in 1974. Then getting married in Sept. 14,1974. Together they had three children: Christopher, Samantha and Amanda.

Sue loved traveling, especially on the Harley with her husband, Chuck. Over the years, they took many trips, including to Sturgis and Tomahawk, attended numerous pig roasts, and enjoyed riding with family and longtime friends, Bill and Mary.

Sue bowled in the Tuesday night ladies’ league at Miller’s Recreation for many years, even winning the Queen of the Lanes title. She also enjoyed bowling in tournaments with family. On Monday nights, she played pool with family and friends in a local league.

Sue loved hosting family karaoke sessions in the woodshop, always enjoying live music and dancing the night away. No matter where she was, she was always smiling. Later in life, she took up golfing in the Wednesday Ladies’ League at Calumet Golf Course, where she and her partner Mona became known as the fun group to golf with.

Sue loved spending time with her family, often preparing meals and inviting everyone over. Most weekends, you could find her at the Bush camp or at Kerttu’s Cove, both located in Gay, where she would invite everyone to come and enjoy their time together.

Sue cherished rock picking with the family and watching the stars by the toasty fire, always making sure there were plenty of supplies for s’mores. She also greatly enjoyed spoiling her grandkids. If Meme said yes, that was all that mattered.

Sue recently retired from Michigan Technological University after 35 years of service, with her final years spent at the Keweenaw Research Center. She took great pride in supporting the staff there and played a key role in coordinating the Clean Snowmobile Challenge, which was one of the highlights she often spoke about.

Sue’s greatest joy was being a mom and Meme to her family: son Chris (Barb) of Mohawk, daughter Samantha (Aron) of Calumet, and daughter Amanda (Mike) of Mohawk. She cherished her grandchildren Markus, Kali (Nick), Taylor (Joe), Alex (Kendal), Travis, Faith, Zander, Landen, Easton, and Bryce, as well as her great-grandchildren Kane, Ella Jo, Jasper, and Violet. Sue was also a special aunt to many nieces, nephews and adopted family (including the lost boys).

Sue is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Cliff and Barb Perreault; brothers, George and James; great-grandson, Carson Rae; and nephew, Davey.

A memorial service will be held for Sue on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet, Michigan from 1-4 p.m. There will be a pause at 3 p.m. for a time of remembrance.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.