Mary Atkocunis

Mary was born in Minneapolis on April 4, 1929. She was the eldest child and sister to Barbara and Patricia. Her parents, Henry Leo and Julia Agnes Vandermark, moved the family to Kalamazoo, Mich., which is where Mary spent most of her childhood. Mary graduated from St. Augustine’s High School in Kalamazoo and received her degree from Western Michigan College, where she was a member of Omega Chi Gamma.

It was during her time at Western Michigan College that she met her husband, Charles, from Cedar River. Charles and Mary married on Saturday, Aug. 14, 1955, before 500 guests at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kalamazoo.

Following their wedding, Charles and Mary resided in Bronson, Mich. Mary was an occupational therapist at Coldwater State Home and Training School in Coldwater, Mich., and Charles was a teacher and a coach at Bronson High School. When Charles and Mary were not in Bronson, they could usually be found at the Atkocunis farm in Cedar River, where they stayed with family, helped with chores, and raised various animals, including sheep and chickens.

While Charles was of a burly and intimidating stature, considered by many peers, students and players to be larger than life given, among many other things, his upbringing in Cedar River and his superior achievements in college football, college baseball, teaching and a Hall of Fame coaching career at Bronson High School, Mary was quiet, unassuming, and had a gentle and calming presence alongside Charles. She was his perfect compliment. If you spent any amount of time with Charles and Mary, you could not help but witness Mary’s unwavering love and devotion to Charles.

Charles and Mary were always faithful Catholics who were active in their parishes both in Bronson and Cedar River. Mary lived her faith and had a strong devotion to Blessed Mother Mary. If you were fortunate enough to visit them at the farm in Cedar River or their Bronson home, you saw the pictures and statues of the Blessed Mother and rosaries that graced every room.

Charles and Mary were each accomplished and very successful in their endeavors but chose to live simply and modestly together. They touched countless lives and were mentors to many. Family was extremely important to them and over the years they invested much time in their family relationships by attending family events and passing along their wisdom, sharing unforgettable stories, and teaching core values and life lessons.

After they retired, Charles and Mary resided most of each year at their farm in Cedar River. Charles passed away on April 29, 2010, after which Mary continued to reside at the farm in Cedar River for many years. She carried on their simple ways and continued to be the steady hand and calming presence in the room.

A visitation will be held at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain on Monday, Nov. 10, from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph’s Parish in Iron Mountain, 408 Prospect Ave, Iron Mountain, MI, 49801. Father Janusz Romanek will officiate. Burial will be at the Cedar River Cemetery in Cedarville Township.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Mary I. Atkocunis online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.