Carl "Burger" Kaurala, 70, of Mass City passed away Saturday, November 24, 2012 at his home.

Burger got his nickname from his childhood friend and neighbor, Mel Sulkanen, because Carl really liked hamburgers!

Carl was born June 25, 1942 in Detroit, MI to parents Charles and Elma (Tauriainen) Kaurala. They lived in Detroit until 1950, when they moved to Rousseau on the Kaurala Farm. He attended school in Mass City and graduated with the Class of 1961. Carl was an avid sports player and fan. He played both basketball and baseball in high school on what were said to have been some pretty good teams. He later played softball for Tige's Bar. He was a die-hard Detroit Tigers fan, and was able to fulfill a "bucket list wish" with the help of friend, Sonny Ark, when he got to see a Tigers game in Detroit in late August.

Carl worked as a logger for many companies in the area, and was also self-employed.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; sons Kirk (Alison) and Willie Kaurala, both of Colorado; daughters Lynn Pulfrey of Sault Ste. Marie and Laurie Whitburn of Green Bay; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; stepsons David Mejia and Rocky Lemantine of Colorado; and nephew Arnold Onkala of Florida.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elma; sister and brother-in-law Elaine and Barney Onkala; nephew Aaron Onkala and daughter, Lisa.

He will be sadly missed by all his many friends and shirttail relatives near and far. Everybody knew "Burger" Kaurala. Rest in peace, Buddy.

A Memorial Service for Carl will be held Friday, November 30, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon, with the Rev. Dr. Earl Kaurala officiating. Following the service, a memorial luncheon will take place at the Mass Community Center in Mass City.