On Saturday, April 25, 2020, Walter C. Ignatovich, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was called up to his heavenly Father at the age of 93. He resided at the Whitcomb Senior Living Community for the past four and half years after selling his home of 40 years in Stevensville, MI.
Walter (Walt) was born on February 2, 1927 to Christ and Alma (Mashke) Ignatovich in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1945. He proudly served in the United States Army Air Corp from 1945-1948. He was called back to active duty in 1949 to serve for another three years as a mechanic and radio operator. His status as a veteran of the United States Armed Services was very important to him and he celebrated all the veterans and those currently serving each and every year. Walter met the love of his life, Zula Muneke, when he was stationed in Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Alabama. They were married in Montgomery, Alabama on December 19, 1947. They were married for 68 years before Zula’s passing in January, 2015. They had two daughters: Suzanne Ignatovich (1950) and Carol Ann (1954).
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and spouses: Bill and Lillian (Ignatovich) Geike, Edward and Anne (Kebschull) Ignatovich, and Alvin Bahm. He is survived by his sister, Ruth (Ignatovich) Bahm and brother, Arthur Ignatovich along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his two daughters and son-in-laws: Ted & Suzanne (Ignatovich) Curro and Glenn & Carol (Ignatovich)Guest; seven grandchildren: Benjamin (Kate) Powell, Matthew Mazurkiewicz, Eric (Danica) Powell, Tina Mazurkiewicz-Carter, David (Katie) Powell, Lucy (Bryan) Bennett, Karen (Brendon) Hampton; ten great-grandchildren: Elise, Maeve, Micah, Cora, Aaliyah, Annalee, Colby, Emma, Kendall, and Elijah.
Walter retired from the Whirlpool Corporation after 35 years in several positions with most years spent as Order Administrator for the Sears Account. After retiring, he returned to Whirlpool to work as a part time employee on the hotline for appliance service questions. He also served as a union steward during his years at Whirlpool and was on the original Board that founded the first employee Credit Union.
Walter joined the Masons in 1949. He was honored this past August with a 70-year service pin. He was very proud to be part of this wonderful organization of which he received his lifetime membership in 1989.
Walter loved life, enjoyed his many friends he made over his lifetime, and cherished his family. He and his wife, Zula looked forward to the band concerts on the bluff in St. Joseph every Sunday. He was the kind of person who believed in making the most out of each and every day.
Due to the CoVid-19 circumstances, a small immediate family celebration will be held to honor his life. Memorial contributions may be made to Stevensville American Legion Post 568, 3093 Johnson Rd., Stevensville, MI 49127.. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services.