Charles proudly served his country in WWII and the Korean Conflict, earning the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and World War II Victory Medal. He retired from the Detroit Zoo after many years as office manager. Charles was very active with his four sons in the Boy Scouts and even served as Scoutmaster. He enjoyed bow hunting and fishing and also ice skating and pond hockey, which he played until he was 82. Charles was a skilled woodworker, making his own television cabinet.
On October 25, 1952 at St. Martins Catholic Church in Detroit, he married Carolyn Marie Schimansky, and she preceded him in death in 1998. Charles is survived by their four sons, Paul (Nomi), Larry, Ray (Shawn), Bob (Lynda); grandchildren, Sarah (Geoff), Lisa (Blair), Ariel (Drew), Adelle, Jim (Emily), Michelle; great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Evelyn, Eleanor, Piper, Iley, Connor; his sisters, Dolly and Patsy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and siblings, Jim, Collette, Marietta, Rosemae and Eugene.
Visitation for Charles will be Friday, February 14th, from 4-8pm at Kaul Funeral Home, Clinton Township. A short visitation on Saturday, February 15th from noon until 1pm sharing of memories and Military Honors at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, MI. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Charles’ memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or Beaumont Hospice (Checks Payable: Beaumont Foundation on Behalf of Hospice).
