Ernest Walter King, age 72, of 422 E. Jewell Street, Munising, and formerly of Kingsley died surrounded by his loving family on Sunday morning, November 9, 2008 at the Munising Memorial Hospital. Ernie was born in Pontiac, Michigan to Earl and Katie (Neighbor) King. He served in the U.S. Army for seven years and then managed the Paint Spot in Traverse City for over twenty years. Ernie served as the Mayor of Kingsley and in August of 1976, he married Genny. They then moved to Munising and they owned and operated King’s Kolor Korner for five years. Ernie then went to work for Nebel Redi-mix and Excavating and continued working with Gerou Redi-mix and Excavating until his retirement. During Ernie’s retirement, his love and joy was riding the lawn mower at the Days Inn and Comfort Inn. Ernie was active with the Alger County Fish and Game Alliance, Munising Lions Club, Pictured Rocks Golf Club, Rotary, and he was a Retail Member of the Chamber. Ernie loved hunting and fishing with his children, grandchildren, his buddies, and his wife. He also enjoyed golfing, camping in Canada, and enjoying all four seasons outdoors.
Ernie is survived by his wife and lifetime friend – Geneva “Genny” King of Munising; nine children – William King of Phoenix, AZ, John (Brenda) King of Kingsley, Patricia King of Melbourne, FL, Robin (Bruce) Keillor of Palm City, FL, Jeffery (Lori) King of Traverse City, Elizabeth (Jon) Bowers of Battle Creek, Debbie (Stephen) Gabriel of Ft. Lewis, WA, Christy Parker of Orlando, FL, and Amber (Eric) Stites of St. Louis, MI; twenty grandchildren – Michael (Ayesha), Adam, Bradley, Thomas, Danielle (Shane), William, Denny, Zachery, Nicole, Abrielle, Kelsey, Ian, Crystal, Mathew, Haley, Stephanie, Olivia, Erica, Cassidy, and Makya; two great-grandchildren – Marlena and Skylor; siblings – Robert (Juanita) King of Kingsley, MI, Richard (Karen) King of Reed City, MI, and Shirley (David) Wyllys of Battle Creek, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Katie King.
Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 9:00 and also on Thursday morning from 10:00 until 11:00. Rev. Robert Tripp will conduct Ernie’s funeral service in the funeral home’s chapel on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising where the Alger County Veterans Council and American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military honors. Ernie will be escorted by Doug Miron, Doug Scheuneman, Stan Gerou, Dick Madigan, Charlie Vartti, and Bob Denman.
“Thank you to Dr. Christine Krueger,Dr. Kareem Said and Staff, Northwoods Home Nursing and their wonderful and caring staff, Munising Memorial Hospital’s outstanding professional staff, Putvin’s Drug Store, and to all of our family and friends who gave us all of the loving support and prayers to help us endure Ernie’s short but courageous battle. And lastly, thanks to Marquette General Radiology and Cancer Center for their professional support.”
Memorials in memory of Ernie may be directed to the Alger County Humane Society.
