Obituary: Louis Munch

Calumet – Louis A. Munch, Jr., 89, passed away at home on Thursday, September 20, 2018 with his loving wife, Sylvia, by his side. He fought a courageous, three-and-a-half year long battle with lung cancer.

Louis was born on December 2, 1928 in Laurium, Michigan the son of Louis and Mary (Kastelic) Munch. He was a graduate of Calumet High School.

He married the love of his life, Sylvia Nakkula, on December 21, 1979 in Calumet.

Louis was very hard working with a career that started directly out of High School and spanned over 70 years of his lifetime.He was a WWII Veteran having served in the U.S. Navy including service on the USS Rendova, USS Curtiss, USS Boxer, Air Transport Squadron Forty-Four, Air Transport Squadron Five and the U.S. Naval Receiving Station in Seattle, Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1949.

Louis worked for a short time in Flint, Michigan selling insurance. He then sailed on the Great Lakes in the Merchant Marine. He started his career on the Great Lakes as a Deck Hand and worked his way up through the ranks earning the highest officer rank of Captain. The majority of his years were served on Iron Ore carriers. Louis retired from the boats in 1994.

In his retirement, Louis went back to work at the Houghton WalMart in the Electronics Department which perfectly suited his love of technology. He worked there from 1996 through to his second retirement in 2014.

Louis was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; Father, Louis; his brother, Herb Munch; his niece, Sandy Munch; two grandsons, Jesse & Robert Snow. Three brothers-in-law: Arvid Nakkula, Rupert Nakkula and Kimio Inoue; a sister-in-law, Joyce M. Nakkula.

Louis is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughter, Maggie Munch (Mike Kargela); son, Tony (Mary Jo) Munch; and daughter, Janice (John) Snow. Sisters-in-law: Gretchen Inoue and Joyce Nakkula; brothers-in-law: Danny (Nancy), Robert (Jorjean), Harold (Diane), David (Rita), Nathan (Debbie), Jim (Susie), Roy (Sally), Doug (Lucy), and Paul (Diane) Nakkula. Nine grandchildren: Megan, John, Daniel, Alex, Melissa, Jennifer, Phillip, Rebecca and Stephanie, along with their families to include thirteen great-grandchildren, also; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; as well as his extended family: Jayne Harvey, Donna White and his “Little Sweetheart”, Lillyana Birondo.”

Lou was a life-long, die-hard Detroit Lions Fan. He never lost faith in his Team. Go Lions! He loved to take rides to the Lake, picnics, and an occasional Rum & Coke at the L&L Bar. He enjoyed photography, weather watching, reading, was a trivia buff, sports enthusiast and always kept up with the latest computer and technology trends and gadgets. He was known to voice his opinion on whatever subject came up and loved to engage in fiery discussions about those opinions. He loved to share stories of his youth, of growing up in the Copper Country, and of his travels and experiences. He had a great love for his family and loved Christmas with the excitement of a child planning year-round for the Holiday. His characteristic strong-will stood out to all who knew him and, along with the amazing, loving care provided by his wife, was what kept him strong through his courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Keranen to officiate. Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 5:00 pm until the time of the service at 7:00.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family.