Walter John Curik's Obituary
Walter J. Curik age 87 of Norton Shores, MI, former long time resident of Hurley, WI, died on September 19, 2011. Walter was born July 27, 1924 in Ironwood, MI, the son of Mary (Macisak) and Gasper Curik. He attended Olivier and Central Schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1942. After graduation he went into the Army and was stationed at Richmond, CA. in the infantry. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he worked for Aurco Metal in Milwaukee then Erspamers store in Hurley, WI until he purchased the Twin city Dairy in 1947, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1983. Walter was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Iron County Resource Development Corporation, the High Line Corporation, the Hurley American Legion, the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus, the Lions club and was a charter member of the Eagle Bluff Golf Club. He belonged to the National Ski Patrol where he became Section Chief and received National Appointment #3621, the National Ski Patrol’s highest award. Walter was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, loved hunting, skiing, golfing, enjoying his cottage at Pine Lake and spending time with his family and friends.
He married high school sweetheart Mary Lou Erspamer on August 22, 1945 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hurley, WI by the Rev. Peter F. Meyer and celebrated their 66th anniversary. In retirement, he and Mary Lou spent winters at Ruskin, FL and enjoyed having their children visit them and enjoyed visiting Disney World and Busch Gardens.
Survivors include his wife Mary Lou, two daughters Kathy Lantta of Hurley, WI and Mary (David )Seeger of North Muskegon, MI, six grand children, Susie(Bruce) Hamberg, Ironwood, MI, Becky(Stacy) Ludtke, Ironwood, MI, Wendy (Bill) Chiapuzio, Ironwood, MI, Christy (Scott) Belanger, Muskegon, MI, Chad Seils, Norton Shores, MI, Jamie (Bob) Grant, Muskegon, MI., 3 step grandchildren Steve (Tracy) Seeger, Michelle (Chris) Chapman, Liz (Troy) Genson, 11 great grandchildren, 9 step great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, 2 step great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is brother-in-law Harry Kobryczki of West Allis, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his son-in-law John Lantta, great grandson Skyler Seils, his brother and sister-in-law Steve(Monnie) Curik, sister Betty Kobryczki, in-laws Ray (Chris) Erspamer, Jack (Rose) Erspamer, Florence (Don) Burns and Gertrude (Mike) Matte.
Out of respect for Walter’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held 11 AM Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at St. Mary’s Church, Hurley, WI. Internment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hurley, WI where full military honors will be accorded by the Hurly American Legion. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately following the mass. Walter’s family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until mass time in the church on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be made to Muskegon Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.
Arrangements by the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231-798-1100).
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