Mark Virta

Mark Virta of Waupaca, WI and formerly of Munising, died unexpectedly on January 10, 2022 at the age of 46.  He was born in Munising, Michigan on October 23, 1975 to Gene and Sandra (Kirmo) Virta.  Mark lived in Waupaca, WI where he worked for Gusmer Enterprises as a maintenance manager.  Mark made friends wherever he went, and he loved spending time with his buddies.  He was always a storyteller and those stories would often be followed up by, “You know what I’m sayin’?”

Mark was a lover of music and movies.  He was constantly quoting movie lines that were immediately followed up by his raucous laugh which made everyone around him laugh even harder.  Mark also loved being outdoors, golfing, fishing, or hiking.  He was also an excellent bowler and was on a bowling league with his buddies in Waupaca.  Mark had the gift of making people laugh with his constant humor and jokes.  It was impossible to be around him and not be smiling or laughing.  His presence just made the world a better place.

Mark’s one true passion in life was his daughter, Karianna.  His face lit up whenever he saw her and their bond was one of love, laughter, and the occasional teasing by her daddy.  Karianna and her daddy loved to play games – especially Monopoly and Mario Kart on the Wii.  They loved watching Scooby Doo movies and there was never a weekend that went by that didn’t include a scary movie night.  Mark loved to joke around with Karianna and do silly things to make her smile and laugh.   Some of Karianna’s favorite memories with her dad included the trips they took to Wisconsin Dells and Six Flags.  She was the love of his life.

Mark loved time spent with family.  He had an amazing relationship with his mom, dad, and sister.  The four of them were so close and the time spent together was filled with love, endless laughter, and joking around.

He is survived by his beloved daughter – Karianna Gracie Virta of Munising; his mom and dad – Sandra and Gene Virta of Marquette; sister and brother-in-law - Lynn and Jason Ghiringhelli of Marquette; niece - Sophie Coxon; nephews – Carter and Cameron Ghiringhelli; and step grandfather – Carl Ritari of Marquette.  Mark is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom he shared many childhood bonds and memories.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents – Eugene Virta, Sr., Doris Ritari, and Arne and Lillian Kirmo; aunt – Katherine; uncles – Gary, Jeff, Mike, Jack and Ron; and cousins Eric, Jodie, and Jessica.

Mark was passionate about many things, but nothing more than his Karianna. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a fund set up in Karianna's name at Peoples State Bank in Munising, PO Box  158, Munising, MI  49862.

Gone from our lives….forever in our hearts.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Monday, January 17, 2022.  Visiting time with family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.   A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. PER THE FAMILY’S REQUEST, MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE FUNERAL HOME.