Louis Marusek

Louis Marusek led a simple life. As a very salt of the earth kind of person, he was a hard worker even from his earliest moments. The man he grew into reflected this fact, as Louis was a stable, thorough and dependable man, kind to everyone he met and devoted to the family he loved dearly.

Louis was born on August 6, 1914, in Streator, Illinois, to Poland immigrants, Stanley and Salome Marusek. Louis was the first generation American in his family, but certainly not the last as he was the fourth of ten children. Although the United States was modernizing itself in the face of a coming war, Stanley had to work very hard and many long hours to support his family in America. After a while, the family bought a farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan near the city of Escanaba, where Salome and the children lived off the little money Stanley sent home to them. But with harsh winters and very little income, the family greatly struggled not to starve to death. In the 1920s, they left here and moved much further south in Michigan near Three Rivers, where they bought a farm and made that their livelihood.

One day, while at the baseball diamond at Nickom's corner, Louis met the love of his life, Louise Hotovy; she was four years younger than him. The two fell hopelessly in love and were happily married on August 31, 1940, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kalamazoo. The newlyweds settled into married life together in Kalamazoo, where they would raise their two daughters, Marsha and Linda, and son, Louis "Lou." Like his father, Louis worked hard to support his family, and held several different jobs over the years, including at Ingersol, Kalamazoo Stove Company and Durametallic. He retired from Durametallic in 1968, as a Draftsman. Louis was only 55 when he retired, but that was because he knew there was more to life than just work. He and Louise both enjoyed antiques as a hobby and decided to turn their hobby into a business. They first started their business in their home on South Westnedge, but later opened a shop in Schoolcraft called "Lou Antiques", which prospered for 22 years. Louis was quite knowledgeable about antiques, stayed current by reading up on them as much as possible.

Although the business kept Louis busy, he had several other hobbies he enjoyed and pursued. One of his favorite pastimes was hunting, particularly deer hunting. In fact, he delayed starting a new job at Durametallic until after deer season was over. Louis raised hunting dogs too, to help his hunt. Often times when he and Louise were coming home from a hunting or fishing trip, they would stop along the way at garage sales or auctions to find that hidden treasure that someone didn't know they had. Louis was very good with working with his hands, and had built three houses over the years. He was also a highly skilled gunsmith and custom made guns from old military surplus and creating custom stocks. As such, it was only natural that he was a lifetime member of the NRA.

The one thing, however, that Louis loved, cherished and celebrated in life above all else was his precious family. Time together was so important to him, and while his children were growing up, they took many great trips to a rented cabin up north for a week, where the fish were always biting. On the weekends, the family usually headed over to visit with relatives, and some times this included a treat of eating out at Chicken Charlie's in Kalamazoo. Louis looked forward to Christmas day each year, which brought all the family together, including his precious grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he adored. Louis was truly proud of their accomplishments and achievements in life. Sadly, in 1993, Louis lost his beloved wife, Louise, and it wasn't long after that he went to live with his son, Lou. This really brought the two together and they fostered an even closer father/son relationship during this time.

For his 90th birthday, Louis and his children took a breathtaking Alaskan cruise, which he had always dreamed of doing. Shortly after this though, Louis began experiencing health problems, through which he always kept a positive spirit, and his delightful sense of humor. Louis' hard work provided him with a full and happy life. His family will always remember his kind presence and his deep commitment to them. He will be greatly missed.

Louis F. Marusek passed away January 31, 2007, at his son's home in Boyne City, Michigan. He is survived by two daughters and their husbands: Marsha and Bill Farquhar of Portage, Linda and Bill Hannah of Sawyer; a son, Louis S. Marusek of Boyne City, Michigan; two sisters, Anna Orrison of Kalamazoo and Dorothy Conklin of Three Rivers; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; four brothers: Tony, Steve, Henry and Chester Marusek; three sisters: Helen Barron, Angeline Bransberger and Marion Aliotte, all of Illinois.

Louis will join his wife for interment at Schoolcraft Cemetery. Learn more about Louis, view his Life Story film and visit with his family and friends on Sunday, February 4, from 2-5 p.m. where a Rosary will be recited from 5-5:30 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg. Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 5, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5845 East W Avenue, Vicksburg. Please visit Louis' memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo or sign the online registry. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Michigan or St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.