SHIMUNEK, JOHN F.
If you’re reading this, I’m hanging out with my three Dalmatian friends in Heaven. A celebration of my life will be held on Wednesday, February 15, at 11:00 AM at the 1st United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Michigan, with visitation at 10 AM. My earthly body will rest at Riverside Cemetery, in Alma, Michigan. My journey began on August 7, l947 in Alma, Michigan. My parents were Emil and Onda (Schultz) Shimunek. I graduated from Alma High School in l965 as a proud Panther. After graduation, Uncle Sam had a plan for my next 2 years. The next 18 months of my life were spent in Germany, working as an Army armored recon scout. I was honorably discharged, in 1968, with the rank of Specialist 4th Class. After returning home, I met the love of my life, Julie Taylor, at the Alma A & W Drive-in. We were married on September 22, l973. After living and working in Saginaw, Michigan, for 13 years, we relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. Julie and I loved the desert life and Native American History and Art. We traveled extensively throughout the Southwest. We toured many National Parks on horseback, including a mule ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I enjoyed crafting Native American artifact reproductions. 2003 brought us to our current home in St. Louis, Michigan. We continued our travels with the highlight being three cruises to Alaska. It has been my privilege to participate in many military honor services during the past 19 years. During my life, I’ve worked many different jobs including: construction, telephone operator, shipping and receiving clerk, and trades helper. I worked alongside my wife as a volunteer at the Gratiot Community Personal Needs Pantry, located at the St. Louis 1st United Methodist Church. I have joined my parents and grandparents in heaven as well as many other family and friends. I am sad to leave behind my wife, Julie, and my sister, Kathy (Craig) Ellis and their son, Bryan (Meaghan) Ellis and family, all of Virginia. Also surviving me are many Taylor relatives. Julie and I have had a very blessed life until December of 2022, when I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. I fought bravely but the battle was not to be won. I want to thank all the health care teams from Mymichigan-gratiot, Mclaren Bay Region Medical Center, Mymichigan Hospice and Schnepp Senior Care & Rehab Center. I was overwhelmed by the love, compassion and care given to me and my family during this incredibly difficult time. There are so many good people in this world and I’m sad to leave it behind. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Fumc/personal Needs Pantry where I have a personal connection as a volunteer in this important ministry. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-moody-wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view John’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.