Obituary of Michael Steven Munsell

Michael Steven Munsell Michael Steven Munsell, 57, a life-long resident of Rochester, died peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2009 surrounded by family at St. Peter Hospital, Olympia. Michael was born February 28, 1952, the oldest child of Albert Jr. and Inez (Jylha) Munsell. He attended Rochester schools, graduating in 1970. Mike’s first job was at Larry’s Chevron in Rochester. He married his wife Barbara Krohn on October 15, 1971. Mike was drafted in January of 1972 and spent 8 years in the Army artillery, stationed in Fort Riley, KS and Fort Campbell, KY. He did a tour in both Korea and Greece. Mike prided himself in doing whatever it took to take care of his family. The year after he was discharged from the Army, he held three part-time jobs at once while looking for permanent employment. He spent over 20 years working at Fred’s Discount Tires where he loved taking care of his customers. He later went to work for the Rochester School District Maintenance Department. He was devoted to keeping the schools and sports fields in top condition. Mike was a fixture on his green Gator! Mike began most of his mornings meeting for coffee with his long-time friends at the McDonald’s Shell in Grand Mound. Other mornings he began by fishing with good friends. He loved a good story and was known for having an opinion or two on most topics. Mike is survived by his wife Barbara, his sons Terry, Bryan and Tracey; his sister Beverly (Richard) Good, brother Jerry (Patty) Munsell, parents Albert Jr. and Inez Munsell, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by an infant son, sister Sheryl Munsell, and grandparents Elmer and Signe Jylha, and Albert Sr. and Stella Munsell. Mike lived to fish and hunt. Most of his clothing was a shade of camo. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and active with the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and various fish organizations working to preserve our fish runs. Memorials may be sent to Lewis Co. Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association or the National Rifle Association. A celebration of life will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Rochester, Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 2:30 pm, where Mike was baptized and confirmed. A reception immediately following will be held at Rochester Middle School. Mike’s final fishing trip is being planned for January 1, 2010. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Funeral Alternatives, Tumwater, WA. Fish on, Mike! Leave your memories of Mike and condolences for the family by clicking on the "view guestbook" link below.