Charles Ezra Sleeper Jr.

Pentwater, MI, formerly of Lansing, MI

Charles Ezra Sleeper Jr. died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Monday morning January 1, 2018.

Born April 14, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Charles E. & Agnes Sleeper, (nee Townsend), Charlie spent his formative years in New York City, graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School. He served his nation in the US Army (1944-1946). Charles graduated from the University of Detroit (Architecture, 1950). He married the love of his life, Virginia Ann Sleeper (nee Murphy) in Shepherd, MI on April 27, 1957. The couple eventually settled in Lansing, Michigan where they raised their family.

Charlie was an accomplished architect, educator and civil servant. He helped establish the Building Construction & Trades, now referred to as Construction Management Program at Ferris State University. He spent a significant portion of his professional life with the State of Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Building Division. Charlie was active with the Lions Club. After retiring from the State of Michigan, Charlie and Ann lived in Pentwater, Michigan.

Charlie was a gifted craftsman who designed and built several family homes. In his free time, he enjoyed making furniture and model wooden boats and ships. He was an avid reader who stressed the importance of education in all five of his children, helping each obtain a college degree. Charlie possessed a unique, often humorous perspective on the world. He provided well for his family and will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Ann, his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife, Virginia Ann Sleeper; children, Constance (Kerry) Spaulding of Sayre, PA, Joe (Audrey) Sleeper of Summerville, SC, Chuck (Julia) Sleeper of Haslett, Thom Sleeper of Dewitt, Jane (Paul) Schager of Dewitt; grandchildren, Matt Chaprnka, Ben & Anna Sleeper, Luke & Olivia Sleeper, Samantha, Charlie & Jessie Schager, and Elizabeth & Levi Sleeper.

Funeral Liturgy is Friday at 1pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI, with Father Mark Inglot presiding. Visitation will be from 12 noon – 1pm at the Church.

Those who would like to make a donation in Charlie's memory may send a donation to St. Vincent Building Fund, 637 6th Street, Pentwater, MI 49449. We ask that flowers be sent to the church. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.grdewitt.com