Francis “Curly” King, age 80, of Gladstone passed away on Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, after a lengthy battle of lung cancer. Curly had high spirits until the end, as he fought a courageous fight. He died surrounded by his loving family.
Curly was born September 9, 1930 in Escanaba, the son of George and Agnes (Chenier) King. Curly lived his entire life in the Flat Rock and Gladstone area. He honorably served his country in the United States Army and National Guard. He married Rosalie Derusha on September 1, 1951, a union they shared for 55 years. Curly worked as a pipefitter for the Mead Paper Corporation for 41 years until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the Mead Gun Club and Bishop Noa Men’s Club. He enjoyed hunting, crafts, cooking, playing cribbage and going to the casino. Curly liked joking around with others and loved life. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by:
3 sons: Roger (Lori) King of Gladstone, MI
Garry (Beth) King of Oconto, WI
Dan (Terri) King of Gladstone, MI
3 daughters: Debra (Mark) Winker of Soo Hill, MI
Cindy (Tom) Taylor of Menomonee Falls, WI
Connie (Tony) Mayville of Escanaba, MI
Daughter-in-law: Laura Meyer of Georgia
14 Grandchildren
11 Great Grandchildren and one on the way
3 brothers: Lawrence King of Gladstone, MI
Richard (Julie) King of Harvey, MI
John (Phyllis) King of Gladstone, MI
1 sister: Lorraine Froberg of Escanaba, MI
Numerous nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie; a son, Wayne “Butch” King, his parents; his brothers, Henry “Hank” King, Donald King and Robert “Min” King and sisters, Dorothy LaFave and Rose Wheatley
Curly’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 9 from 2:30 PM to 5:15 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military rites will be conducted at 5:15 PM by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Funeral services will be at 5:30 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Jose Maramattam officiating. A luncheon will follow services in the Father Matt Hall at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock. Curly will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.
Anonymous
We are so sorry to hear about your dad. We have so many wonderful memories of him. We especially loved his sense of humor and the fact that he was always willing to share his recipes and cooking tips. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Love & Prayers Clara & family
Clara Wheatley
S Milwaukee, WI
We’ve always loved the twinkle in Uncle Curly’s eyes and the smile that lit up his face. He loved to chuckle and enjoyed life to the fullest. Aunt Rosalie was the apple of his eye, and he was proud of the wonderful family they raised together. Uncle Curly is now reunited with the love of his life. He will truly be missed. Love, Leroy and Judy, Marcia and Jim and Jay and Jack
Judy and Leroy Brazeau, Marcia and Jim Antol, and Jay and Jack O’Driscoll
Sun City, AZ
So sorry for the loss of your Dad, Connie. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann Marie Roberts VandeWiele
Gladstone, MI
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Curly. Whenever we saw him, he always greeted us with a big smile and that made me smile. We so looked forward to Midnight Mass and making the rounds there at Christmastime. My memories of Uncle Curly are almost all happy ones because nearly every occasion when we saw him it was a family celebration of some sort, but he was always there for the tough times, too. How we all loved getting together! I know he was a good man with a kind heart and a man of faith. I’m sorry to see him go but I know he must be very happy to be with his dear Rosalie again and with Wayne. My heart goes out to you, my cousins, and my condolences for your loss. He will be missed and remembered fondly.
Laura La Fave-Lupe
Goodyear, AZ
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the entire King family. Wish we could be there with you. You will be in our thoughts and Prayers. Love to all.Pat,Bill,Jim & Tom
The Wheatleys
Milw, MI & Florida
Dear King Family,
I worked with curly at the mill,he was such a kind & wonderful man.
Lisa Menard
Escanaba, MI
Roger,Debbie,Cindy Gary,Connie,Dan,& Families,
Our deepest sympathy to you all…it is never easy,our prayers are with you all during this time!
Marie & Kevin Chenier
Escanaba, MI
I have known Roger & Debbie from kintergarten on. I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Just keep in mind, he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love you Lots.
Robin (Godfrey)Boudreau
Gladstone, MI
Hi Cousins:
I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Curly’s passing. He was one of the good ones & it just brought back many great memories of the wonderful family that we were born into-warm summer days up at camp on Corner Lake, Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa King’s, or just hanging out and talking with my cousin Wayne.
Uncle Curly always had that big happy smile on his face. I know it’s hard losing him, but just think-no more suffering and he’s up there with all his loved ones who have gone before him.
Much love and many prayers to all of you at this sad time.
Your Cousin Vicky
Victoria Couillard
Kingwood, TX