Charles Lester Hommel

Charles "Chuck" Lester Hommel, Jr. of Elk Rapids, MI and formally Macomb,IL, passed peacefully at the age of 96 on 8/7/2019 while surrounded by his family. Chuck was born 6/14/1923 in Detroit, MI to Charles Lester Hommel, Sr. and Mary Catherine (Palmer) Hommel. He joined his twin sister Mary Lou who arrived shortly before. Later, Chuck's brothers Joe and Bill were added to the family. He also had a special four-legged friend named Lindy, the family dog, named after Charles Lindbergh who at that time was every young boys hero. In his early years Chuck spent his summers at his grandparents' home in Frankfort, MI, a place that held many fond memories for him.

When WWII broke out Chuck answered the call from his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the 796th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion and participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Overlord. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Like many others, he was proud to have served, willing to share stories of his experience all the while never boasting. He remained in touch with his Army companions for many years and attended annual reunions until there were too few left to attend and it became physically impossible for him to do so.

Upon returning home from the service, he took Audrienne Smith on a blind date to a local dance and shortly thereafter she became the love of his life. On July 10th, 1948 Chuck and Audrienne were married at Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit, MI and together they raised 5 children, Chuck, Jim, Cathy, Tom, and Joyce. Chuck was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He and Audrienne took great pleasure in sharing their home on Elk Lake with everyone who visited. His relationship with his grandchildren and great grandchildren was very special and their laughter and curiosity brought him tremendous joy. He loved watching them enjoy the lake he loved and all the activity that goes along with lake life.

Chuck attended the University of Detroit and after graduation was employed by Federal Mogul, both in Detroit, MI and Macomb, IL for more than 30 years. He was an active member in St. Paul's Catholic church in Macomb, IL and Sacred Heart Catholic church in Elk Rapids, MI. Chuck was a member of the Lions club, Elks club and The American Legion, Post 0350. He and Audrienne enjoyed traveling both abroad and in the States, visiting friends and family along the way.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Mary Lou Tarnas and her husband Richard, his wife Audrienne and his youngest brother Bill and his wife Barbra (Flood).

He is survived by his brother Joseph (Kay) of Frankfort, MI, along with his children, Charles (Joan) of Port Townsend, WA, James (Betsy) and Cathleen Cunningham (Stanley), both of Macomb, IL, Thomas (Mary Beth) of Libby, MT and Joyce of Brighton, MI, along with 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Chuck's life touched many and he will be deeply missed. While seperated from us physically, he will live on in our hearts and memories and many stories will be shared for generations to come.

Donations can be made to: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 143 Charles, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 or Paralyzed Veterans of America