Herbert A. Munson

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Herbert Munson lived life to the fullest each day while holding his loved ones near. He was a hardworking man of honor and integrity who was accompanied by an unwavering faith throughout his entire life’s journey. Herb was blessed to witness his family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. A dear man to many, Herb will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Daily life in America during the early 1900s was very different from the life we know and love today. There were unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws that colored a bleak picture of the nation’s workforce. America’s youth were more often found in the workplace than they were in schools while the middle class grew increasingly more frustrated every year. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1916 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from North Muskegon, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on April 21st. Herbert Alexander was the oldest of three children born to his parents, Herbert and Vivian (Foote) Munson, Sr., and he was raised in the family home located on the family farm on Peterson Road alongside his two younger sisters, Maxine and Beverly. His father was a dairy farmer who eventually owned and operated the Roselle Dairy while his mother focused her attention at home.

In many ways Herb experienced a typical childhood. Growing up with a dairy farm in the family meant that he had his fair share of the workload, too. When Herb was a teen his father sold the dairy and started a trail riding business he called Dunes Trail Riding Academy on the property instead. Herb also helped out with the riding academy, working as a guide. He had his own pony and was responsible for leading customers on two hour rides out to Lake Michigan and back. Herb even learned to do a few rodeo tricks.

When the Great Depression of the 1930s took hold, countless American families felt the strain, and the Munson family was no different. The trail riding business no longer generated customers, and they moved around a bit. The Munsons eventually acquired some property on Lake Michigan. Herb and his father cleared the trees from the property so they could make some money by selling the wood. He also attended local schools, and while in high school he was a star baseball player who was given the opportunity to try out as a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.

After graduating from high school Herb found various jobs to make ends meet. He eventually became a tool and die maker who worked for several different companies over the years including Sealed Power and Lyon Tool & Die. Additionally, Herb worked as an independent real estate broker and insurance agent.

Life was forever changed for Herb when he met the young girl of his dreams in 1937. Her name was Dora McCormick, and they met at a dance at Mackabee Hall in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon. Herb asked Dora to dance for many weeks in a row, but she always declined until one day she finally accepted his offer. Herb was certainly onto something when he had his eye on Dora since once they shared that dance they were both smitten with one another. After dating for two years the couple was married on October 14, 1939, deeply in love. In 1940 the couple welcomed their son, David, into their hearts and home. David was followed by Marilyn in 1943, and with the birth of Greg in 1952 their family was complete. Herb’s work kept the family moving all over as they moved 19 times in 18 years until finally settling down on Center Street in North Muskegon.

Throughout his life Herb was a bustle of activity. In the 1950s when the political field was heavily laden with Democrats, he ran as state representative as a Republican. Herb loved traveling with his wife, and together he and Dora went to California several times, out West, and to Florida, too. He was a longtime member of Lakeside Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. During his lifetime he built three different homes, and in later years he enjoyed helping his children and their families with various remodeling projects. In 1991 Herb and Dora moved to Ada. For as long as he was able he enjoyed playing golf, he volunteered in the emergency room of a Grand Rapids hospital until he was 89, and he also had an extensive collection of antiques. Herb was deeply saddened with the death of his wife, Dora, in August of 2004. He was blessed to share most of his sunset years with Bettie Jo Dunnewin, whom he married in 2005. Bettie Jo preceded him in death in 2013.

With unending love for his family, Herbert Munson was an inspiration to his family and friends. He was a man of conviction with an unwavering faith that was the compass he used to direct his steps. Herb worked hard both in the workforce and in his leisure time, and he willingly gave of his time to serve others. Although he will be forever missed, Herb’s timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

Herbert Munson, of Ada and formerly of North Muskegon, died on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Herb’s family includes his two sons, Gregory (Loretta) Munson of North Muskegon, David (Diane) Munson of Rockford; daughter, Marilyn (Roger) Johnson of Ada; 4 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sister, Beverly Kendall of North Muskegon. Herb was preceded in death by his first wife, Dora; second wife, Bettie Jo; his parents; and sister, Maxine Munson Talbott. Services will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Leslie Lew officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.