Mary Lou Curik's Obituary
Mary Lou Curik of Norton Shores, MI, age 98, former long-term resident of Hurley, WI, passed away June 19, 2024, at Seminole Shores Living Center in Norton Shores, MI with family by her side. The former Mary Lou Erspamer was born March 28, 1926, in Hurley, WI and was the daughter of the late Lillian (Chartier) and Herman Erspamer. She attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. She married her high school sweetheart, Wally Curik, on August 22, 1945, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hurley, WI. by the late Rev. Peter Meyer and they celebrated 66 years of marriage. She worked at Erspamer's Store until 1947, when she became a bookkeeper for the Twin City Dairy, which she and her husband purchased. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, WI and later Prince of Peace in North Muskegon, MI.
She was a member of the National Ski Patrol for many years, served as a Section Chief and was awarded the National Ski Patrol's highest award. Mary Lou enjoyed downhill skiing, water skiing, knitting, playing bridge, reading, and spending summers at Pine Lake where her children and grandchildren could visit and enjoy swimming and water skiing. She enjoyed cooking, baking and entertaining family and friends. In retirement, she and Wally spent winters in Ruskin, Florida and enjoyed having their family visit them where they could enjoy Disney World and other theme parks. They were avid Green Bay Packer fans and one of their life highlights was when their daughter Mary and son-in-law Dave took them to tour the Lambeau Field Hall of Fame.
Survivors include daughters, Kathy Lantta of Hurley, WI and Mary (David )Seeger of Norton Shores, MI; six grandchildren, Susie (Bruce) Hamberg, Ironwood, MI, Becky (Stacy) Ludtke, Ironwood, MI, Wendy (Bill) Chiapuzio, Ironwood, MI, Christy (Scott) Belanger, Norton Shores MI, Chad (Rebecca) Seils, Hudson, FL, and Jamie (Bob) Grant, Norton Shores, MI; 3 step grandchildren, Steve (Tracy) Seeger, Whitehall, MI, Michelle Seeger, Muskegon, MI and Liz (Troy) Genson, Charlotte NC; and 11 great grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, 7 great great step grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Wally; parents Lillian and Herman Erspamer; son-in-law, John Lantta; great grandson Skyler Seils; sister and brother-in- law Florence (Don) Burns; brother and sister-in-law Ray (Chris) Erspamer; brother and sister-in-law Jack (Rose) Erspamer; sister and brother-in-law Gertrude (Michael) Matte; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Steve (Monnie) Curik and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Betty (Harry) Kobryzcki.
Out of respect for Mary Lou’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 1, 2024, at 11 AM at St. Mary of the Seven Dolors (404 Iron St, Hurley, WI 54534) with Rev. Hrudaya Raju Sunkara officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley, WI. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately following the mass. Mary Lou's family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until mass time in the church. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in her name may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Harbor Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444). To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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