Elden William Karhu passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, with his granddaughter Alyssa Sanford by his side. He was born on July 1, 1931, to his parents William and Elina Karhu, at his grandparent's home (August & Anna Matta) on the Choate Road. He grew up on his family farm on Hall Road.

When he was 17 years old, he joined the Army and went to basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. After basic training, he was sent to New Jersey and then spent the remainder of his military career in Hawaii. He often shared stories with his family about his experiences in Oahu, and how he loved to box while in the military. Sometimes his friends and family were even fortunate enough to see him do his boxing shuffle after a few nips of blackberry brandy, which he swore was what kept him alive and was the "cure all". After his service in the military, he worked for the Ewen Creamery for 2 years. It was at this time he met his first wife Jean Johnson, and they had 2 children who were the light of his life. He and Jean enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing.

He worked at The White Pine Mine where he became an electrician, then traveled with his family to Kenosha, WI to work at American Motors for 2 years, then he and his family moved back to Ewen. He went on to get his journeyman's electrician license and worked as a union electrician as a member of the IBW until retirement.

He remarried to Caroline Smith (Mott) and they loved camping, traveling and going to casinos. After her passing, he enjoyed quality time with his long-time love and companion, Audrey Wagner of over 20 years. They shared a lot of laughter, dancing, fish fry's and spending time with their families. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed fishing on his boat on Lake Superior, gardening, trapping, brewing beer and telling stories. He was fluent in both English and Finn languages and was proud to be a Finn.

He is preceded in death by his parents (William and Elina Karhu), three sisters (Elaine Lenz, Betty Krocker and Ruth Cronkright), grandson (Elden Karhu), son-in-law (Herb Sanford), and wife Caroline.

He is survived by his children: Addie Sanford, Bill (Debbie) Karhu, sister Shirley (Ken) Elsner, brother-in-law Richard Cronkright; grandchildren Jean (Alex) Sheets, David (Holly) Sanford, Cory (Krystal) Lorenz, Chris (Stacey) Karhu, Alyssa Sandford, Alonzo Sanford, Rebecca (Bill) Fleming, great grandchildren Alexis, Justin, Rochelle, Clayton, Savannah, Allan, Jacob, Eli, Autumn, Hayden, Taylor, Cameron Lorenz, Kyle, Bryce, Aly Karhu, Eastyn, Avery, and Jayger Fleming, 2 great-great grandchildren Noah Steel and Arthur Hulse, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on September 26, 2024, at 11:00am, with visitation from 10:00am - 11:00am at Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Evergreen Cemetery in Ewen, with military honors. A celebration of life will be held with details to follow.

The family wishes to give a sincere thank you to the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, MI for their excellent care they provided him with.

Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.