Walter J. Curik, age 87, of Norton Shores, former long-time resident of Hurley, died Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at Seminole Shores Living Center in Norton Shores.      Walter was born July 27, 1924, in Ironwood, the son of Mary (Macisak) and Gasper Curik. He attended Olivier and Central Schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1942. After graduation he went into the Army and was stationed at Richmond, Calif. in the infantry. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he worked for Aurco Metal in Milwaukee, then Erspamer's store in Hurley until he purchased the Twin City Dairy in 1947, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1983.      Walter was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, the Iron County Resource Development Corporation, the High Line Corporation, Hurley American Legion Post 58, St. Mary's Knights of Columbus Council, the Hurley Lions Club, and was a charter member of Eagle Bluff Golf Club. He belonged to the National Ski Patrol where he became Section Chief and received National Appointment #3621, the National Ski Patrol's highest award. Walter was an avid Green Bay packer fan, loved hunting, skiing, golfing, enjoying his cottage at Pine Lake, and spending time with his family and friends.      He was married to his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Erspamer, on Aug. 22, 1945, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, by the late Rev. Peter F. Meyer, and recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. In retirement, he and Mary Lou spent winters at Ruskin, Fla. and enjoyed having their children visit them and enjoyed visiting Disney World and Busch Gardens.      Survivors include his wife Mary Lou; two daughters, Kathy Lantta of Hurley, and Mary (David) Seeger of North Muskegon; six grandchildren, Susie (Bruce) Hamberg, Becky (Stacy) Ludtke, and Wendy (Bill) Chiapuzio, all of Ironwood, Christy (Scott) Belanger Muskegon, Chad Seils, Norton Shores,  and Jamie (Bob) Grant, Muskegon; three step-grandchildren, Steve (Tracy) Seeger, Michelle (Chris) Chapman, and Liz (Troy) Genson; 11 great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.      Besides his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lillian and Herman Erspamer; son-in-law, John Lantta; great-grandson, Skyler Seils; his brother and sister-in-law, Steve (Monnie) Curik, sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Harry Kobryczki, in-laws, Ray (Chris) Erspamer, Jack (Rose) Erspamer, Florence (Don) Burns and Gertrude (Mike) Matte.      Out of respect for Walter's wishes, cremation has taken place.      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM, celebrant.      Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley, where full military honors will be accorded by the combined Hurley American Legion Post 58 and Iron Co. V.F.W. Post 1580 Honor Guard.      A luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.      Walter's family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until Mass time at the church on Wednesday.      In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be made to Muskegon Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, Mich. 49441.      To view Walter's obituary online, sign his guestbook or offer condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.