Eugene "Gene" Michael Munn

Eugene “Gene” Michael Munn, age 69, of Wetmore, Michigan and Melbourne Beach, Florida, passed away at his home in Michigan, held in the loving care of his family and North Woods Home Hospice on October 30, 2026. Gene was born on October 25, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Eugene L. and Mary (Kiffner) Munn. He grew up in Detroit and attended high school at Divine Heart Seminary in Donaldson, Indiana, graduating in 1976. There he received an excellent education and formed lifelong friendships with classmates he fondly referred to as “brothers.”

Gene began his career with General Motors at Pontiac Truck and Bus. Over 30 years of faithful service, he held numerous positions and mastered many skills in advanced manufacturing, retiring in 2005.

On August 17, 1981, Gene married Regina Waller, the love of his life. Though they grew up only a few blocks apart, it was a family member who introduced them, and they were side by side from that day forward. Together they raised three children.

Gene was an avid sports fan who found joy in the game wherever it was played, whether the Lions on a Sunday afternoon or a group of kids on a baseball diamond in the park. He cheered on all of his Detroit teams, none more faithfully than his beloved Tigers. His love of sports took him to the NBA All Star Game, the Grand Prix races, and Soccer’s World Cup, where he volunteered just to be close to the action. As a volunteer soccer and football coach, he was known to the kids as “Coffee Coach,” because a cup of coffee was always in his hand on the field. He was also a tireless fundraiser, making sure his teams had everything they needed. Music was his other great love in live entertainment. Any genre would do, and if a ticket was offered, Gene found a way to be there.

A giving heart was at the center of who Gene was. He taught his children the joy of helping others, volunteering alongside them with various charities.

Gene was also a gifted carpenter and handyman. He lent his hands to helping others build their homes, and in every home of his own, he looked forward to the work of renovating and making it better.

Though he was unable to serve in the military, Gene was a proud American and patriot who supported the troops in every way he could. He was especially proud of his sons, who served in the Navy.

Family and friends were the heart of Gene’s life, and he gave himself to them completely. He took great pride in being the spokesman of the family. He always knew where everyone was, and with Regina’s help and a well-kept calendar, he reached out on every important date and traveled near and far to be present at graduations, weddings, and funerals, offering his love and support. His favorite time of the year was “Cousin Camp,” when all of his grandchildren gathered and he and Regina sent their parents away for the week. It was a week full of fun, food, and playing in the water. This past summer marked the 10th annual Cousin Camp!

Gene was old school and cherished tradition. He worked hard, gave generously, and loved his family fiercely. He loved his wife Regina with all his heart, and every night after dinner he gave her a kiss and made sure she knew she was loved. He was a Good Man.

Gene loved the Lord with all his heart. He immersed himself in prayer and tradition, faithfully gave to religious charities in gratitude for their work, and he strove to live as an example of his faith. He accepted God’s plan and gave thanks for all his blessings.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Regina Munn of Wetmore; his children, Diana (Paul) Doro of Milwaukee, WI, Michael Munn of Northville, MI, and Matthew (Heidi) Munn of Howell, MI; his grandchildren, who called him Papa, Alexis, Julia, Garrett, Gracie, Carter, Jack, Robert, and Luke; his siblings, Cynthia (Steven) Sipperley, Loretta (Linus) Courturier, Timothy (Toni) Munn, and Brian (Julie) Munn; his uncle, Leo Kiffner; his aunt, Agnes Hale; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held at Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a time of sharing stories and remembrances at 7:00 p.m. Gene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the American Legion Post 131 (610 W. Munising Avenue, Munising, MI 49862) in Gene’s name.