Melvin Brunk

WATERSMEET, Mich. - Melvin Brunk Jr., 40, of Watersmeet, peacefully walked on Dec. 16, 2021, at Aspirus Iron River Hospital.

He was born in Chicago on Dec. 17, 1980, to Melvin Brunk Sr. and Mary Jane (McGeshick) Brunk.

Melvin loved the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs and Bulls. He had a fondness of classic trucks and cars. Melvin was known to his family and friends as a loving protector willing to help anyone who came to him. He was a very talented mixologist and bartender. Melvin will be remembered by his tender smile, charisma, sweetness and his outgoing need to be humble.

He is survived by the love of his life, Tawnya Jean Hokkanen; daughters, Mona Jane and Ava Daniell Brunk; mother, Mary Brunk; brother, Channing DeVerney; sisters, Charlotte (Charles) Saxon, Celia (William) Brunk and Carol Brunk; in-laws, Jean and Steve Hokkanen, Tara (Erik) Johnson and Troy Hokkanen; as well as many aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends.

Melvin was preceded by his father Melvin Brunk Sr .; sister, Tracy Pete; cousin, Ben Scott III; grandparents, Vernon McGeshick, Ida Ackley, Frankie Brunk and Carol Antone; among other loved ones who passed on.

Family visitation will be held Saturday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. central time at the Lac Vieux Dessert Rec Center in Watersmeet. Friends and other family are invited to join at 4 p.m. central time at the Rec Center. A feast will follow.

Funeral services for Melvin will be held Sunday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. central time at the Rec Center in Watersmeet. Burial will be in the Old Indian Village Cemetery in Watersmeet. A feast will be held at Lac Vieux Dessert Rec Center following the burial. A celebration of life will follow the feast.

The Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family.