Lula “Lu” (Girven) Sundbeck passed from this world on June 1st, 2018. Her life began on June 23rd, 1924 near Bear Lake, MI as the daughter of Jack and Bertha Girven. She grew up on her parent’s farm where she learned the domestic arts from her mother, harvested cherries, apples and peaches from her father’s orchards and even drove the tractor. At age 16 she graduated with honors from Bear Lake High School, then moved to Manistee where she lived in a boarding house and worked at Snyder’s Shoe Store. She met Floyd Sundbeck at a dance. They dated and danced for a few years, then married on November 12, 1943 at the parsonage of Messiah (Good Shepherd) Lutheran Church. They resided in the area until 1954 then moved to Flint, MI where Floyd pursued a career in construction. In the early 1970’s they started a construction company and in 1976, purchased a small family operated hardware store in Swartz Creek, MI.
Lu's adult life contained a variety of experiences. She sold Avon products. Studied for and became a licensed manicurist. She assisted with the construction business by handling the office duties and later helped where needed in the hardware store. Lu excelled in all the homemaking skills, especially baking. Throughout her life she delighted family & friends with her sweet treats and beautiful meals. Lu and Floyd raised a family, were members of Salem Lutheran Church and enjoyed an active social life which included their favorite activity of ballroom dancing.
In 2002 the couple relocated to Manistee. During her years back "home" Lu enjoyed family activities, was an avid reader, attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and participated in local social events. She was spry and maintained her independence, even driving until the last months of her life.
Lu was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters and three brothers; Floyd, her husband of 65 years; and a young son, Thomas.
She is survived by four children: Jane Toben, Springfield, MO; Ellen Mathews (Gerry), Gaylord, MI; Glenn Sundbeck (Kathy), Brighton & Bear Lake, MI; Christine Smyth (Ken), Swartz Creek & Ludington, MI; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren & 10 great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday June 22, 2018 at Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 309 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, MI. The family will gather at 1:00 PM and the service will begin at 2:00 PM with refreshments following.
The children wish to thank the staff at Nancy’s Place and Munson Hospice Cadillac for their tender & compassionate care during Lu’s last days.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. Please visit Lu’s personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo or memory with the family. The Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee has been entrusted with arrangements.