IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. – Ejnar Thunell, long-time resident of Kingsford, passed away peacefully at his son, Allen’s home, 1513 E. Wilson Rd., Ashley, Mich., on Sunday, March 13, 2016, departing for his new home in Heaven.

He was born June 21, 1916, in Foster City, Mich. son of the late Eric and Hulda Thunell. His mother died in 1917, leaving his dad to raise 5 children. Ejnar worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps, for Ford Motor Company for 14 years until the plant closed in 1951; and then worked for various wood manufacturing plants until he retired.

Ejnar was very active for many years in the Presbyterian Church, followed by Immanuel Baptist Church, and then became a member of the Grace Baptist Church. His church activities included the teaching of 5th and 6th grade boys, coaching church community softball or basketball teams and actively participating in Awana Programs. He never missed the opportunity for Bible Study Groups, especially with other Christian men. Ejnar has always been consistent in his daily Bible devotional times. He lived his Christian faith as an example to many others. Ejnar was a hard worker, always willing to help out others in need.

He was an outstanding softball pitcher in community leagues for many years. He enjoyed helping his dad and others with farming. His favorite hobby was vegetable gardening, which he did until he was 95 years old.

Ejnar was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Marie, who passed away March 20, 1997 and siblings.

He is survived by one son, Allen (Lianne)Thunell of Ashley, Mich.; two grandchildren, Patti Thunell of Niles, Mich. and Matthew (Mindy)Thunell; five great-grandchildren, Austin, Tucker, Eli, Brody and Scarlet, all of Dowagiac, Mich.; three step-grandchildren, Kim (Gary) Higbie, Kelly (Jim) Kissane, Chris (Amy) Loomis; six step-great-grandchildren, Sharon Schneider, Josh (Amanda) Higbie, Jessica (Preston) King, Brenden Kissane, Ashley Kissane and Luke Loomis and eight great-great-step-grandchildren, Asia, Emma, Shayla, Jayden, Sydney, Nadia, Rylie and Freya.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, Kingsford. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Jim Danielson and Pastor Wynne Kimbrough will officiate. Burial will be held at Dickinson County Memorial Gardens, Iron Mountain.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at the East Washington Brethren Church in Ashley, Mich.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain to honor Ejnar’s Legacy of Life.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Ejnar or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.