Alvin Joseph Thoune

He was born to Peter and Josephine (Bushonville) Thoune in Stephenson, Michigan, on December 25, 1927. Alvin graduated in 1945, from Stephenson High School. He enlisted into the U.S. Air Force from January 1946 until January 1959. After returning home from the service, Al worked construction, helped on the family farm, and bartended at the family’s Belgiumtown Bar.

It was there where he met the love of his life, Shirley Winter. They were married on July 19, 1952 and together raised their three children. The family lived in Powers, Seney, and Spaulding, before settling in Munising in 1963. Alvin worked twenty-two years for CCI in various positions at the sawmill before retiring in 1985.

Al was a member of the Munising Lions Club for thirty years and a member of the American Legion for over thirty years. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Superior and made most of his own lures. Al was a talented woodworker, and his pride and joy were the clocks that he made that hang from many walls. Al’s gardens were always bountiful and there were enough tomatoes and pickles canned to last throughout the winter.

He and Shirley shared their swimming pool with friends and many children learned to swim there. They spent twenty-nine years as snowbirds in Florida, where they enjoyed entertaining friends, swimming, taking in shows at the clubhouse, and visiting eating establishments on the Gulf Coast. He enjoyed being with people and all were welcome at their home, where Shirley cooked and Al made his famous Old-Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Martinis. Al and Shirley enjoyed their life together. They were married over sixty-eight years, when she preceded him in death, on September 19, 2020.

Al is survived by his children – Dennis (Sandy) Thoune of Phoenix, AZ, Kathy (Bruce) Kallio of Chatham, and Bruce Thoune of Munising; granddaughters who were adored – Brenda (Brian), Maggie, Kara, Deanna (Matt), and Makayla (Joe); six great- grandchildren; sister – Doris Laurin of Johnson Creek, WI; in-laws – Pat and Lee Winters, and Mary Winter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife – Shirley; siblings – Mag (Lou) Machalk, Emanual (Hank) Thoune, Bob (Ernie) Thoune, Glen (Theresa) Thoune, Margie (Donald) Pecott, Joyce “Doot” Sonny Mikus, Clyde Thoune, and Peter “Chum” (Shirley) Thoune, Jr.; and brothers-in-law – James Laurin, and Ronnie Winter.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising, on Friday, October 15th, 2021. Visiting time will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The American Legion and Vietnam Veterans Honor Guard will render military honors at noon and will be followed by a memorial service where family and friends will be able to share a story or a memory. (All times are Eastern.)

Al’s obituary and online guestbook may be found at bowermanfuneralhome.net.