Stephen James Munsell
Stephen James Munsell, 73, of Flint Michigan passed away March 18th at Majestic Care assisted living of Flushing, MI. Steve had been in the tender hospice care provided by Heart To Heart Hospice Of Flint, Michigan.
Steve was born in Alma, Michigan February 14th, 1952 to Virgil and Glen Munsell also of Alma.
Steve fondly recalled people and events at The Alma Dairy owned by his father, including helping to buy & wrap gifts for the dairy employees & families Christmas parties.
At an early age Steve developed interest and talent in music, culture and art. In high school he was a member of a 4 piece band that played at an Alma high school mixer.
Steve graduated from Alma high school in 1970 after serving as vice president of student council, vice president of the Thespian society, and treasurer of the Hi-Tri-Y, a community service organization which established co-ed membership during Steve’s senior year.
After high school, Steve graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Alma College.
He worked as a teacher for 40 years in the Carmen-Ainsworth Schools and Genesee School District, retiring in 2014.
Steve was a valued volunteer and board member at Flint Community Players from the early 80s until around 2010. He spent many hours designing sets for theater productions including Blithe Spirit, and Pirates of Penzance and returning to design a set in 2017. He graced the stage as an actor in many shows including Carnival in the early 80s and Annie Get Your Gun in 1989.
Inspired by the character from the Nutcracker, his nieces nicknamed Steve “Godfather Drosselmeyer,” due to his talented and magical restoration of toys and gifts of all kinds which he generously shared with his family at Christmas.
Steve leaves a sister, LaDeana Avantaggio of Seattle, WA. Cousins who fondly remember him as a young man. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara his brother John, and his nephew, Tom Waldbillig, who was born only 9 months after Steve.
Nieces and nephews include Jamee Gunn of Greenville, MI, Glenda Carbaugh (Marty) of Avon, OH, Peggy Sztuczko (Carl) of St. Louis, MI, Michele Waldbillig of Greenville, MI, Glen Avantaggio (Denise) of Kent, WA, Andrea Avantaggio (Peter) of Durango, CO and William Avantaggio of Damariscotta, ME, and Jeannine Wiitala (Marty) of Lakeville, MN and many great nieces and nephews, and even great-great nieces & nephews.
Memorial donations can be made to the Flint community Players.
Steve’s family will gather in August where his life will be celebrated. His final resting place will be at the family plot at Chapel Gardens cemetery in Alma
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Steve added much skill knowledge and friendship at Flint Community Players for many years. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I had Steve as a theatre instructor at Mott Community College in the 90s, and also did a show with him at Buckham Alley Theatre around that time. He was a phenomenal set designer and a great actor. I remember him as gentle and fun. He was one of many from that time that cemented my love of theatre, and now I’m doing my best to pass it on to others. His influence will go on for generations.
Such a great teacher. So nice and easy going. Loved being in his class at Genesee. My condolences to his friends and family.
In high school, I was lucky enough to have “Munse” as my art teacher and as set designer for numerous plays and musicals. He was generous with his time and energy. A better soul probably I’ve not met. I hope folks can find some solace in a life well-lived.
He was the best! “MUNSE” was an absolutely epic human being. I have nothing but good memories and stories to share. My condolences to his friends and family.
Mr Munsell was one of the greatest teachers I had. He was morenthan just my art teacher. He was a friend. We kept in touch until I left Genesee, some years after I graduated. A very kind soul who was one of the most artistic humans I ever had come across. He pushed me to pursue arts, and even though it was not my career, I followed my dreams because of people like Steve believing in me..
God Speed Mr Munsell. I will never forget you. Thoughts and prayers for all who knew and loved him.
Steve created so many great sets and memories at Beckham Alley Theater in Flint too. He even gave me one of the most amazing wedding gifts of all time: he took our plate pattern and redesigned our kitchen to match it! What an extraordinary human being!
A Beautiful Soul has moved on…the loving kindness and rocking ways flood my memories in so many ways.
It is so touching to see comments from Steve’s students. I grew up with Steve, spent hours and hours together. He was so dear and kind and delightful! I remember working on his campaign for student council making hundreds of badges to hand out, “Don’t be a Dunce, Vote for Munce!” My thoughts go out to his family.
I am deeply sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was such a great and fun guy. I spoke to him about 10 years ago and often think of him. He was a member of The Other Culture, great guys. I remember some great parties at his house. Heaven is a better place now because he has arrived there.
Mr. Mussels was one of my favorite teachers at Genesee high school. He was creative and talented. Because of his commitment to excellence he inspired many in the theater world to give their best. He was such a positive influence and will be sorely missed
I grew up with Munse and he lived a couple of houses down from me. He was a sweet guy, very funny, talented, and very caring. The band, The Other Culture, played lots of places and won the “Battle of the Bands” which was a really big deal back in the 70’s. Bless you Munse, you will be missed, and well remembered.
So sad to hear about Steve’s passing. I had the pleasure of doing Annie Get Your Gun with him and worked on other shows as well with FCP. Sorry for your loss. Design in heaven now.
Mr. Munsell “Munse” was a Great inspiration in my life and helped direct me in my love of art. He always challenged me to be bold and move outside my box by seeing the beauty in imperfections. When I was going to Cosmetology, he was the first to let me cut his hair, Brave Soul he was, as he also experienced my imperfections and continued to allow me to practice on him.
Munse plays such a big role in so many of my favorite high school memories. He helped instill in a love of art and theater.
Rest in peace Mr Munsell.
Mr. Munsell was one of favorite teachers at Genesee. He gave me my love for drawing and painting. He let us have a lot of freedom to explore different styles of painting and art! I was also lucky enough to be able help him with the H.S. Play sets during and after school! Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened! Dr. Seuss
Growing up in Alma was made more fun, exciting, and wonderful with Steve in it! We had a great group of friends and gathered often at his house, cheered on his band, and spent lots of time laughing and growing up together. He obviously went on to share his many talents with his community and his family! Prayers for his family! RIP Munce!
Mr Munsell “Munse” thank you for taking the time to share the artist and your friendship. To some of us the love of art was all we had. Coming to your class was a joy, an escape from all the ugly. Thank you for that. I hope you had a wonderful life! My sympathies for your family and loved ones.
(Genesee Student)
I had him as an art teacher! I’ve now since been graduated for 5 years! My friend and I always talk about him still to this day! He was definitely our favorite and left an imprint on our heart!!
I guess the class of 70 is getting nearer the end. Sorry to hear of any of them leaving us behind. I also lived a few houses down from Steve (and Kathy) and was part of the Other Culture. Good memories. Now a day of deep contemplation ahead.
I had Mr. Munsell for several years as an art teacher at Randal’s Elementary. All of the students loved him so much and he made art class so fun for us! It was clear that he had a passion for the job, he will be remembered by many.
Steve was truly a unique person who was creatively gifted. I still vividly remember the set he created & built for “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” for the Flint Community Players. It was extraordinary & exquisite!
He had a great sense of humor & kept many of us laughing at his spontaneous quips. The community has lost a great talent, but he will be fondly remembered by those of us who knew him.
Mr. Munsell was truly one of a kind; the kind of teacher and person you only meet once in a lifetime, I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He was more than just an educator to me and my brothers; he was a mentor, a friend, and someone who genuinely cared. His humor, kindness, and love for teaching made the world a better place. We were lucky to have spent time with him not just in the classroom, but beyond; helping afterschool, during summers, on a theater set, or just stopping by to talk. Unfortunately, I lost touch with him some years back but that won’t change the memories. Thank you, Mr. Munsell, for everything. You’d be very pleased to know that I’m a teacher now and that’s many thanks to having teachers like you that took the time to care.
Mr. Munsel was a great teacher and a great person. Encouraged me to try out for plays and I got some great roles in high school. I especially loved the “Brudabeast” and the fantastics. I did not think my voice was strong enough to be chosen for those parts but Mr. Munsel encouraged me to try out anyhow. I also enjoyed working on sets. I remember showing up with a bunch of tools feeling really cool cause my stepdad was very handy. Mr. Muncel knew more about sets. I remember putting together decks that rotated around a post that went into a hole in the middle of the stage so that we could rotate the entire set to create different scenes! It was great. I ran into Steve at other places and he was a good person.
I still can’t draw very well, but I use art as an avenue for expression as a therapist all the time.
I never got to work on a show with Steve, but I did get to dance with him. We both we’re auditioning for Edna Turnblad when FCP tried doing it about 10-ish years ago. He came prepared, wearing high heels, and we were paired off to dance together. I also knew Steve from his work with local theatres and the fact he taught two of my boys at Randel’s Elementary. I even remember some of his set work for Carman Ainsworth High School plays.