Charles Champagne

On Sunday, September 14, 2025 Charles Raymond Champagne peacefully passed away at home under the care of Hospice and with the love and emotional support of his immediate family. At age 84, he had courageously battled cancer for nearly four years. Charles was born on June 25, 1941 to the late Raymond Leo and Elizabeth Florence (née Sears) Champagne. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Paige (née Taylor) who he wed in 1975 and his two kind and loving daughters Courtney Anne Taylor (Zachary) LaCroix and Theresa Lynne Champagne as well as one son, Charles William (Julie) Champagne and granddaughters Nicole and Kelsey Champagne; his younger sister, Monica Mary Champagne; his nephews: *John (Geri) Schulte, Joseph (Rose) Schulte, Christopher (Marilyn) Schulte, Paul (Michelle) Schulte, Andrew Schulte, Raymond (Lisa Ann) Schulte and Thomas (Lisa Marie) Schulte, Jeffrey (Amy) Champine, *Timothy (Gay Lynne) Kroon, Matthew Kroon, Thaddeus (Dubelsa) Kroon and Matthew (Serai) Carroll; his nieces: Denise (Donald) Stout, Mary Elaine (Garey) Foyt, Catherine (Eugene) Wenson, Renee (Dennis) Brothers, Ann Marie (Michael) Schulte, Diane (John) Michael, *Julie (Mark) Vidosh, Jeanette Champine, *Kimberly Thrower, Deanna (John) McCarthy, *Angela Champagne, Nicole (Amy) Carroll. Charles was preceded in death by his parents as well as his three older, lovely, compassionate sisters and their spouses: Yvonne Ann (Irvin) Schulte, Joan Marie (Hubert) Champine and Marlene Therese (Gerald) Kroon I. In addition, he lost three nephews and one great nephew who sadly passed on at early ages: Rodney Kroon, Robert (Carol) Schulte, Gerald (Leann) Kroon II and Joseph Raymond Schulte. *indicates godchildren

Charles possessed a larger than life personality—endlessly entertaining, outrageously funny, uniquely creative, seriously intuitive and intelligent. He used these tools and more to make life worth living. Charles became known as Uncle Chuck rather early in life. Powered by his outgoing personality, quick humor and true interest in his sisters’ children, he became a meaningful role model in their young lives and beyond. He served as godfather to two nephews and three nieces. Known to all as Chuck, he gregariously represented his family in the community in many aspects: in school, at church or working in his Dad’s print shop behind the house on Ormsby. Here he learned the art of typography and the printed word—an introduction to creativity which would encompass his future.

To navigate life he relied on logic, education and common sense. These guiding principles allowed him to balance his personal life decisions with family, with friends, with professional obligations, and with astute choices in hobbies, sports and other interests. His circle of friends at school perceived him as a fun loving guy who played football (with a duct taped uniform and all), who took greatest interest in drafting, math and literature and the one who threw a lot of pizza parties in Ray and Betty’s rec room. Here he learned to cook, to host and to entertain. He liked the spotlight, euchre and his good friend Mike Elso—buddies from age six—who ended up with a pantomime act at The Roostertail in Detroit. Chuck ultimately graduated in 1959 from St. Louis High School in Mt. Clemens Michigan. Go Muskrats!! He remained in close contact with many school friends from graduation through retirement. In 1963 he married Judith Bjorenson with whom he shared two children, Theresa and Charles.

As Chuck’s interest in the arts as a career grew, he enrolled in The Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts, today known as College for Creative Studies. He studied his craft, perfected his drawing techniques and created a portfolio of outstanding samples of his work. He was prepared to enter the profession of commercial art. However, at this point the Viet Nam War was ongoing; Chuck volunteered for the US Army, served three years active duty, then served in the National Guard until 1973. He began his professional career circa 1960. Chuck was first hired as a commercial artist by The Mitton Art Studio in Detroit where he was respected for his expertise in producing competitive advertising demanded by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. He worked at a variety of studios such as Pursuit Studio, Al Hutt Associates and Quintek Studio among others. Colleagues appreciated his life qualities, skills, sense of humor and professionalism. “Charlie Tuna”, as his co-workers nicknamed him, became a real 60’s - 80’s Mad Man as he took on the lifestyle of balancing the fluxional demands of advertising. He enjoyed a long, successful career in the studio and in the college classroom.

In his personal life Chuck was an avid outdoorsman who participated in hunting with family and friends. He enjoyed lake fishing throughout Michigan. For many years the highlight of his life was to introduce his numerous nephews to a wilderness fly-in fishing experience in Ontario, Canada. Of the many waterways encountered, the favorite was Lake Kagianagami. And oh! the stories he could tell. It was magic.

When he met Chuck McDonald, they quickly became inseparable, highly companionable friends. They loved the finer things life offers like McCallans, fly fishing, an excellent tenderloin, their hunting dogs and their wives. Their world revolved around fly fishing, bird hunting, bird dog training and field testing their efforts. They were lifetime members of Trout Unlimited, Paul Young Chapter. His favorite destination for fly fishing was on the AuSable from the dock at Camp Ginger Quill downriver. Pure joy! In addition to being a conservationist who was dedicated to the rivers and woodlands of Michigan, Chuck Champagne also developed impressive knowledge of myriad animals in the wild. His study of animals and birds emerged early morphing into a lifetime quest.

He continued to work in commercial art as well as take on a second career as an Associate Professor at College for Creative Studies, Communication Design department in Detroit. He continued teaching for 21 years at CCS and intermittently produced commercial artwork until his retirement. The new pastime of choice, remote control airplanes, became a final hobby From building the plane to decorating the exterior to installing the engine to the maiden flight and beyond, it was a passion of intricate precision. It was big, loud and over the top. He loved every minute of it!!

Now we celebrate Charles Raymond Champagne~~no matter what you called him~~ Chuck, Uncle Chuck, Charlie, “Mama C,” Chas, “Charlie Tuna,” or “Tuna.” He laughed loud and lived large in all the roles he played throughout his life.

Services are arranged for Thursday, October 23, 2025 at A.H. Peters Chapel, 20705 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods MI 48236. There will be a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service immediately after. Inquiries: ahpeters.com