Frank Joseph Stimac, Jr.

Frank Joseph Stimac, Jr., age 86, of Munising, died Friday evening, September 11, 2020 at his home under the loving care of his family and North Woods Hospice.  He was born in Munising on April 16, 1934 to Frank and Albena (Shega) Stimac.  Frank participated in track during high school and graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1953.  He entered the U.S. Marine Corps on July 14, 1953 and served in Korea and was stationed at Quantico.   Frank earned the National Defense, United Nations, and Korea Service Medals. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on July 13, 1956.  Frank returned home to Munising and throughout the rest of his life he was involved with many veterans’ organizations.  He was a proud member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion Honor Guard, and American Legion Post #131 where he served as a Commander and many years as Chaplain.  Frank was honored that he was able to participate in the U.P Honor Flight on May 23, 2018 and serve as the Grand Marshall for the 4th of July Parade in 2019.

When Frank returned home from the Marines in 1957, he married Bea Hart on September 21, 1957 and together they raised their four children.  Frank began employment at Kimberly Clark in 1957 in the laborer’s pool.  Throughout his forty-year career, he worked in the Machine Room, Specialties Department, and retired from Planning in the Engineer Department.   After his retirement, Frank worked a few summers at the Pictured Rocks Cruises.  Frank and Bea enjoyed the outdoors and spending time together.   Physical activity in the fresh air was always important in their lives.  They took their kids camping when they were young and continued to camp as a couple when they would participate in bike tours across Michigan and Door County, Wisconsin.  Together Frank and Bea would bike, hike, and cross-country ski.  The last Saturday in June for many summers found Frank participating in the grueling 11 Mile Pictured Rocks Road Race and he was a participant of the even more grueling Seney Stretch Marathon.  Winters kept Frank busy as he always kept his driveway meticulously clean of snow even using a broom to sweep it if necessary.  Frank was a faithful and active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church where he served as an elder and was an integral part of the youth program, Pathfinders.  Frank was an active member of the Grand Island Masonic Lodge and of the Ahmed Temple Shriners, he served many years on the Munising Community Credit Union Board, and sang with the Munising Vanguards over the years.  Frank freely shared his time, talents, and kindness for many volunteer organizations that included the food bank and the Toys for Tots Drive.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years – Bea Stimac of Munising; their four children – Pam (Brian) Curry of Angwin, CA, Cheryl (Mike) Hoffner of Tacoma, WA, Ross (Annie) Stimac of Mesa, AZ, and Bart (Nikki) Stimac of Zionsville, IN; grandchildren – Trent, Dylan, Cole, and Samantha; great-grandson – Gunner; sister – Candace Steinhoff of Marquette; sister-in-law – Barbara Stimac of Houghton Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Albena, infant children Craig and Sadie, his sister Nancy Trombley, and his brother Greg Stimac.

Services for Frank will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020. Due to Michigan’s executive orders, masks will be required and the funeral home staff will assist with the social distance and compliance during the visitation.  Visiting time with family and friends will take place at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.  If able, it is requested that if your last name begins with A-H that you attend from noon until 1:00, if your last name begins with I-Q that you come from 1:00 until 2:00, and last names with R-Z attend between 2:00 and 3:00. Frank’s pastor, Tony Ludwig will conduct his memorial service at 3:00 p.m.  Services for Frank will conclude with military honors being rendered by the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans, and Marine Corps Honor Guards at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising at 3:45 p.m.

Memorials in Frank’s name may be directed to the American Legion Honor Guard, Jacobetti Home for Veterans, or the Alger County Animal Shelter.