Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Eric Munson

July 21, 1971 - April 30, 2022
Kalamazoo, MI

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Life Story Visitation

Friday, May 6, 2022
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Portage Public Schools FBO Portage Central High School Athletics
8135 S. Westnedge Ave.
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 323-5361

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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To know Eric Munson was to know a person who was devoted to his family. Optimistic and light-hearted, Eric modeled a genuine love for all people. A wonderful father and grandfather, he was incredibly blessed with a beautiful family supporting him every step of the way. Sadly, he is gone too soon. May his rich collection of memories be forever cherished for generations to come.

His story began in 1971, a time when music continued to make a significant impact. The Beatles still topped the charts and the nation was on the verge of the Disco era. While many groups of Americans continued to fight for expanded social and political rights, Daniel and Robin (Coe) Munson welcomed Eric home on July 21, 1971, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His birth brought great joy during an exciting time in our nation’s history.

Growing up, Eric lived a typical childhood. He was always active and on the go. As a kid, he grew up playing board games and loved Dominos. From the first moment he held a football, being on a team was his dream. His journey with playing started in middle school. He played through high school and later played for both Ferris State University and Western Michigan University. In addition to football, Eric was a member of his high school wrestling teams both at Mattawan and later during his junior and senior years at Portage Central High School. During these years, his love of lifting weights and strength training began. A highlight of his passion of football was a role he played in the movie, Rudy, as an extra as well as a voice actor in a scene. Anything he set his mind to accomplish, especially in sports, Eric always gave it his all.

As a dad, Eric felt very blessed to have Spencer and Elise in his life. He was very involved in their lives and wanted nothing but the best for the two of them. Despite the divorce from their mother, Eric gave his all to remain an active member of their day-to-day lives. He coached many of their teams as well as attended their special events. When it came to sleepovers, he would even allow his daughter to paint his toenails and then struggle to get the polish off for weeks! Whenever Eric was around there was plenty of fun to go around. A strong provider, he worked long hours at Pfizer to support their many interests. Modeling hard work as well as perseverance, his kids valued his guidance and wisdom as they grew into adults. Even though he had a protective and fierce side at times, they also experienced his playful side. He cracked plenty of dad jokes and deep down was a big kid at heart.

Eric was a hard worker as well as a family man. As much as he poured into his job and kids, he also gave to his fiancé, Melisa Corwin. He had known her for thirty years as they both attended Portage Central High School. They both enjoyed working out together as much as they loved spending time as couch potatoes and binge-watching TV! They also liked to surprise each other with breakfast in bed. The two of them were fans of playing Euchre and board games whenever they were surrounded by family and friends. Everyone knew that Eric was always going to choose the green piece in any game because it was his favorite color and it closely resembled his Notre Dame Fighting Irish colors! Melisa grew accustomed to his loud snoring, but he made up for it by being a great cook! After a rough night of tossing and turning, she would wake up to the best biscuits and gravy! In addition to his famous breakfasts, Eric was known for cooking all kinds of meats. The wilder the animal, the better! Social and outgoing, he loved to invite people over for grilling and bonfires. Arguably, nothing was better than becoming a grandpa to his grandson, Hayden. Sometimes Eric’s large stature would frighten Hayden while playing a game of Peek-a-Boo, yet they shared a special bond. Any time Eric was surrounded by people, especially his loved ones, his heart was content.

Eric held many special pastimes. Sports were definitely an interest as well as hunting and fishing. He and his dad and brothers went out west to bow hunt in Kansas and shared many fishing trips together in northern Michigan. Even if they came up empty-handed, the laughter they shared mattered the most. Eric’s laugh was incredibly contagious. When he really got going, he’d laugh so hard his entire body would shake. He also loved working on projects and was quite the handyman. He gave his time and resources to anyone in need and if he didn’t know how to fix it, he always seemed to know a friend that could! Eric was well known in his community and almost anywhere he and Melisa went he was bound to know someone. Described as a hard worker who enjoyed being social and friendly, Eric was a generous person who lived his life to the fullest. He modeled treating everyone with kindness and compassion. Each and every person who knew Eric knew that his family mattered to him. May his warm memories eternally live on in their hearts forever.

Eric Munson, age 50, of Kalamazoo, MI, died on April 30, 2022. Eric was preceded in death by 2 infant brothers: Mark Munson and Mike Munson. Surviving is his fiancé, Melisa Corwin; children: Spencer (Kathleen) Munson and Elise (Cameron) Munson-Restivo; grandson, Hayden; his parents; siblings: Chris (Teresa) Munson and Dan (JoAnn) Munson; and nieces and nephews: Brooke Munson, Sarah Munson, Marissa Munson, and Anna Munson. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared 3-7 PM Friday (MAY 6) at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. Visit Eric’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Portage Public Schools FBO Portage Central High School Athletics.

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