William Lunning

William Daniel ""Bill"" Lunning, age 81, of Comins, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2011 at his home, with his loving family at his side. Bill was born on January 31, 1930 in Saginaw, MI to Herman and Mary (Svetic) Lunning.  He graduated from Fairview High School with the Class of 1948. He married the former Jean Sheffield in New Bedford, Massachusetts on February 3, 1951.  He retired as a Master Chief Engineman from the US Coast Guard, serving his country for 20 years during the Korean and Viet Nam Era aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter  Yakatut, assisted with the Andrea Doria rescue, the Dynafuel rescue and the Cuban Missile Crisis.  He retired to Comins in 1969, and worked here in Northern Michigan for Hoskins Manufacturing and at local mills.  Bill enjoyed clock building and repair; he built all of his children a Grandfather clock.  He also enjoyed reading and woodcarving (especially birds) and was a member of The Mio VFW Post #4126. He will be remembered as a strict ""Military Dad"", a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Jean of Comins, MI; His children: Kurt (Kelly) Lunning of Houston, TX; Thomas (Audry) Lunning of Fairview, MI; Melissa (Dennis) Henry of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Holly (Kevin) Finnerty of East Jordan, MI; and John (Monique) Lunning of Kailua, HA;  his sister Veronica Abbe of Fairview, MI; his brothers: Damien (Judy) Lunning and Bernard (Delaphine) Lunning;  12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and 2 expected great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Frank and John; and his daughter-in-law Leimomi Lunning. In accordance with Billâ??s wishes, a private family service has been held, with Miltiary Honors offered by The Mio VFW Post #.  No public services are planned.  Memorial donations may be made in Bill's memory to St. Jude Childrenâ??s Research Hospital,  P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.