Cole Possi, 26, of Rock, Michigan passed away unexpectedly from a car fire while driving home on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Cole was born January 14, 1997, the son of Earl and Jodi (Jorgensen) Possi. He was a graduate of Gladstone High School, class of 2015. Cole started working at 14 for his uncle Jason in the flooring business, then worked as a pipefitter welder traveling the US. In January of 2018, Cole started at the paper mill and was a Millwright/Mechanic for most of his career there. Cole was united in marriage to Lauren Carlson on July 25, 2020, and they chose to raise their two children, Kaylee and Kaden in Rock.
Cole was a best friend to many. He was your guy if you were stuck and needed a pull, if you were stranded back in the woods and needed help to get out, if your ride needed fixing it would be in his garage, and if your car or quad needed parts or wrenching in the pits he would be there.
Cole was known as the tall guy who was always smiling. Many used his height to their own advantage, something that Cole never minded. Cole never refused someone who needed a hand. Cole even helped his sister, Sierra, although he gave her a hard time until it was completed. He loved working in his garage and spent more time on other people’s junk than his own, which underscores the type of man he was. Cole could think out of the box and had some true redneck ingenuity that undoubtedly was handed down from his dad. Cole was known to live “on the edge” and he was lucky to have Lauren to reign him in. Cole was fond of saying that “the bank has all kinds of money” and was notorious for buying more than selling. He was also known to have a photographic memory, but his mom had to remind him not to buy Lauren tires for every birthday.
A true outdoorsman, Cole took pleasure in hunting which was a family and friend event whether it was whitetail at the tent camp, turkey, rabbits, or bear. He loved fishing for salmon and trout. He was fond of snowmobiling which included on the river and the pond by his house. Cole enjoyed jeeping on the Hammy Road in Rock or on Drummond Island. Cole’s nephew, Clay, affectionately called him Uncle Cole Jeep Beep.
Cole had many friends who were all like Cole, particularly his brother-in-law Mitch. Cole was an honor roll student until he met Mitch. Cole even attempted with success to get Mitch and Sierra to go to the races instead of their honeymoon, August of 2022. Lauren and Sierra always knew date night meant all four of them.
Through all that life had for him, at his heart Cole was a dedicated husband and father first. The very epitome of true love for Cole was selling a Toyota to buy Lauren an engagement ring and more recently selling a snowmobile for Lauren’s broken foot so he could be home and take care of his family. Kaylee would often use her dad as her personal jungle gym and could be found on his arm in her “fruitbat” pose. When Kaylee was an infant Cole would use hand tools instead of the impact tools because the noise scared her. On the other hand Kaden would walk then run toward the sound of the impact wrenches. Cole figured his boy would be changing tires soon. Kaden was always excited to see daddy come home from work every day, crawling/walking as fast as he could towards him.
A huge part of Cole’s life was racing. He was a member of MSA Sprints and was a natural racer whose number 39 came from his father and grandfather before him. Cole raced 360 sprints, micro sprints, quads on the ice and Honda 300s. Many thanks to all who participated in the “39 Racing Crew.” Cole was lucky to have such a dedicated racing wife, who loved racing as much as him.
In addition to his loving wife, Lauren, Cole is survived by his children, Kaylee (5) and Kaden (1) Possi of Rock; parents, Earl and Jodi Possi of Rock; sister, Sierra (Mitch) Nummilien of Rock, in-laws, Amy (Van Brocklin) and Chris Carlson of Wausau, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Darren (Mariah) Carlson; nephews, Clayton and Arlo Nummilien; niece Saylor Carlson; sister-in-law, Carly Carlson of Wausau, WI; Aunt Jodi (Jon) Way of Cornell; Aunt Jenny (Chad) Mileski of Bark River; Aunt Suzan Savard of Bark River; Uncle Jason Jorgensen (Amanda Noel); paternal grandmother, Judy Possi; maternal grandmother Joy Jorgensen; maternal grandparents-in-law, Doc and Alice VanBrocklin; paternal grandmother-in-law, Diane Carlson; several cousins and close friends that Cole considered family.
Cole was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Doug Possi; maternal grandfather, Jack Jorgensen and his best friend and dog, Bella.
Family will receive friends on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 1:00 until 5:00 PM at Grace Church in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 5:00 PM at Grace Church. A luncheon will follow at the church. The family requests casual attire or Possi Racing attire. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Cole’s family for his two children. The Skradski Funeral homes of Delta County are assisting the Possi family.
A live stream of the funeral service can be viewed at 5:00 PM at grace906.com.
Kerry L. Getzloff - Gladstone, MI
My heart is broken and I have been praying for you all! Cole was such a sweet, kind and gentle soul. His smile was contagious and he would help anyone in need. Our family sends you our condolences and will keep praying for you all.
Aaron aasplund - Escanaba, Mi
Rest easy Cole possi give haven some hell god’s speed forever#39
Bill & Arlene Marohnic - Rapid River , Mi
There are no words that can take the heartache and pain you’re all feeling, know that prayers go out to you and your family for healing and strength
Robert Blalock - Escanana, Mi
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mark and Pam Caswell - Rapid River , Mi
Our deepest heart felt sympathies and condolences for Cole and his entire family for their tragic loss, he will be missed by everyone who knew him, may he rest in peace
Chase Briscoe - Mitchell, IN
Cole for only meeting you once you were a great young man and racer sending prayers your families way
Jeremy and Laura Weber - Sheboygan, WI
I only knew you and your sister when you were little tikes running around Plymouth Dirt Track when your Dad was still racing there.
My condolences to you and your family that now has to miss out on the amazing father I hear you were from your dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May you rest in peace #39
Sue & Bill Dubord - Gladstone, MI
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Cole’s passing. He was a classmate and good friend of our son’s (Sam Larson) and was always a kind young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Wendy, John, Logan, and Spencer Krizan - Gladstone, MI
My heart absolutely breaks for your entire family. Nothing I could say would be enough, mean enough. Spencer spent a lot of time with Sierra. And said to me you all made her feel like family. Our thoughts and prayers are being said for all of you. May God bring you peace.
glenda and duane beauchamp - Bark River, MI
Much Heart felt Sympathy to Coles Wife children and Family I did not know Cole personally, but i do know Jodi and Joy . My Heart goes out to them ❤️❤️ and my Sympathy also . i am So Sorry for your Loss May Cole Rest In Peace in Our Lords Loving Arms. Gods Blessings to His Wife,Children and Family
Mike, michelle, Brandon & Breanne Oxford - Escanaba , Mi
Our deepest sympathies to Coles family. Words can’t express the loss you are feeling now but know that all of you are thought of. Thoughts and prayers to all of you
Angie Bennett - Van Buren Charter Township, MI
What an absolutely beautiful & perfectly heartfelt tribute to Cole. So touching & authentic. He is greatly missed & will remain forever in our hearts, with perfect visions of continued shenanigans and laughter in heaven. What a gift he was to SO many!
Nolan Glen and Julie Caswell - Grafton, WI
To the entire Possi family, our heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of your husband, father, son and brother. Sending prayers to you all during this time of grief. God bless.
Pat Rudden - Escanaba, MI
The first time we met Cole, he talked to us liked he had known us forever, and we were just Lauren’s “old” great aunt and uncle. We knew right then that he was a great guy for Lauren. Our hearts break for her, Kaylee and Kayden. Our prayers continue for Cole’s family.
Lorri Beck - Gladstone , MI
Prayers go out to the whole family! Our hearts break with your devastating loss. You have our deepest sympathy.
Terrie Belongie - Gladstone, Mi
My heart goes out to each and everyone of you especially Cole wife and children. Also my heart is heavy for Jodi and Earl and know I am thinking of you both.
Holly Stammer - Gladstone, MI
I remember watching Cole and Lauren in church one Christmas Eve service and how natural and attentive they both were as parents of young children. It was so special to see in young parents. May Cole help parent from up above, as well.
vivian Marie ketcham - GLADSTONE, MI
thoughts and prayers sending to the family , such a kind person.
Brent Robertson - Sebring, FL
My deepest sympathies to the entire Possi family. May the Lord welcome him to Heaven waving the checkered flag.
Leslie Gerald Viitala - Marquette, MI
Our hearts break for you and your family. God Bless You All.
Muriel J Tietz - cornell, MI
Our thoughts an prayers go out to Cole’s entire family. Knowing your family you will all work together to get through these troubling times. God peace to you.
Everett an Muriel Tietz
Mary Windberg - Gladstone, MI
Dave and I send our deepest sympathies to the entire family at this devastating loss. We continue to keep you in our hearts and praying everyday for strength for everyone. Take care and God Bless.
Mary & Dave Windberg
Char and Tom - Grand Rapids, Mi
Dear Joy. We continue praying for you and your family’s tragic loss. May Jesus wrap His loving arms of comfort around you all.
Jack & Nancy Johnson - Manton, Michigan
Praying for God’s arms to hold you close and bring you comfort. There are not words in the English language that are adequate to say, that make any sense. Our hearts are broken for each of you suffering this heartache.
Calvin Marcoe - Escanaba, MI
Earl & Jodi,
So sorry to hear about this. Know from this day on, Cole will be in my daily masses and prayers.
Dale # 3 has a New Competitor for the Heaven 500.
May God Bless you always!!!!!!!!! Today, tomorrow, forever.
Royal Moning - Flat Rock, MI
My thoughts and prayer are with the Possi family during this difficult time.May God who knows your sorrow bring peace,comfort, and healing to your soul. Rest In Peace Cole.
Royal Moning - Flat Rock, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with the Possi family during this difficult time. May God who knows your sorrow bring peace , comfort and healing to your soul. Rest In Peace Cole.
Gary Lehman & Becky Lehman - Escanaba, MI
Our sincere condolences to Coles entire family and friends! May he be at Rest soaring high above with fellow Angels!!!