Mae M. LaRue, 95, Atlantic Mine

Mae M. LaRue, 95, a former resident of Atlantic Mine, passed away
Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Woodland Heaven, of Canal View —
Houghton County, where she had been a resident patient.

She was born on October 27,1930, in Atlantic Mine, MI, a daughter of
the late Eino and Anna (Saalasti) Kaiponen. Mae was raised in Atlantic
Mine and was a graduate of Jeffers High School. She also attended
Soumi College later on in her life.

On July 24, 1948, Mae was united in marriage to Floyd LaRue. The
couple moved to the Chicago area and Mae worked for Motorola Company.
They returned to the Copper Country and lived in both Houghton and
White Pine, eventually returning to Atlantic Mine. On March 25, 2018,
Floyd preceded Mae in Death.

Locally, Mrs. LaRue had worked as a Nurse’s Aide at St. Joseph’s
Hospital and as a Housekeeper for Michigan Technological University
until her retirement.

Mrs. LaRue was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Atlantic
Mine. She enjoyed hand work projects such as sewing, knitting and
various crafts. She also enjoyed dancing, especially the polka with
Floyd.

Preceding her in death were her husband Floyd, grandson Jesse
Optenberg, and her brother David Kaiponen (Ontonagon), along with her
parents.

Surviving are:
Her children:  Sandra (Lance) Optenberg of Madison, WI
                       Denise Connell of Ironwood, MI
                       Steven LaRue of Newberg, WI
                       Richard LaRue of Atlantic Mine, MI
                       Judy (Michael Fik) LaRue of Toivola, MI

10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren
Her sister Carole (Lee) Perigo of Oregon
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is
assisting the family with the arrangements, which will be announced at
a later time.

To view Mae’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please
visit www.memorialchapel.net.