Keith Anderson
ELY TWP, MI- Keith “Beavis” Michael Carlson, lifelong Ely Township resident, passed away February 11, 2025, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. His bravery in the face of this insidious disease and his physical and spiritual toughness remains an inspiration to all who knew him. He is now in the arms of his beloved mother, Penny Joan Carlson, and his grandfather, Dean Robert Carlson, who predeceased him.
Keith was born November 16, 1977 and was a 1996 graduate of Westwood High School where he competed as a wrestler. He was a gifted mechanic, welder and machinist who worked extensively for American Eagle, Central Pontiac, Hometown Garage, Total Tool, Phillips Kiln Services, Jamar Contracting, Sagola Hardwoods and most recently FLSmidth as a resurfacing supervisor and Kiln Service Specialist, where he retired due to illness. Keith was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed four wheeling, snowmobiling, off road motorcycling, fishing, camping and boating. Time spent with family at camp on the middle branch of the Escanaba River and at Way Dam Resort were cherished time for Keith. His greatest joy and accomplishment came as the father to Alli, Jack and Noah and Keith was and remains a spectacular parent.
Keith was predeceased by his mother, Penny Joan Carlson of Ely Township, his grandfathers Dean Robert Carlson and Fred “Adu” Alderton, Grandmother Ella M. Alderton, his aunts Marsha Fraser and Patti Sue “Ug” Nickerson, Uncle Mike Alderton, Brother-in-law Tom Petrocik and a cousin Angie Nickerson.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Alli Carlson and sons Jack Carlson and Noah Carlson, all of Ely Township, his grandmother “Dolly” Carlson of Ishpeming, his father and stepmother Dean Michael and Michelle Carlson of Iron Mountain, his sister Brandi Lynn Petrocik of Negaunee, his Uncle David (Cynthia Krook) Carlson of Ishpeming and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a proud Uncle to Cooper, Spencer and Isaac Petrocik. Keith is further survived by friends too numerous to count and his former wife, lifelong friend and caregiver Amanda Tonn-Carlson of Ely township. The family would like to thank U.P Home Health and Hospice and his Uncle Mike (Sway) Daily for their wonderful care of Keith.
Following Keith’s wishes there will be no formal funeral, however there will be a celebration of his life at the Tilden Township Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday February 15th where food will be served throughout. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his children’s education fund at TruNorth Credit Union. Honorary pallbearers Jeremy Harvala, Brock Rogers, Jared Rogers, Steve Bertucci, and Brad Perry.
Keith’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.