Charles Leonard Groesbeck

Charles Leonard Groesbeck, age 93 of Bessemer, MI went to be with the Lord on September 24, 2017. Charles was a resident of the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, MI at the time of his passing. He was born on September 1, 1924 in Warren, MI. He was raised on a farm in Warren at the corner of present day Studebaker and Van Dyke. Charles graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942 where he played baseball. After turning 18 years old that year he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served on active duty from April 5, 1943 to April 30, 1946. He was stationed stateside in New York training guard dogs while awaiting the USS New Bedford to be commissioned. Upon the New Bedford being commissioned he served aboard her overseas as a Gunner's Mate until his discharge. During his WWII service, Charles earned the following five medals: the American Area Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Area Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal and the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. Charles acquired a life long love of the water stemming from his years of Coast Guard service.Upon his return from his overseas duty he met his future wife of 70 years, Irene Welter, in 1946. While courting they used to attend dances at the Graystone Ballroom in Detroit. They wed on April 26, 1947. Charles found his calling in 1948 when he joined the Warren Police Department. He quickly rose through the ranks of the department and served as a Patrolman, Sergeant, Captain and Senior Inspector. In 1977 he was appointed Police Commissioner, a position he held until his retirement in 1981 after 33 years of service. During his tenure with the department he was the first police officer in Macomb County to be appointed to the FBI National Academy which he graduated from in May, 1960. Charles also was appointed to the Governor's Task Force on Organized Crime and helped found the first Fraternal Order of Police chapter in Macomb County. He was held in high esteem by his colleagues in law enforcement, so much so, that in 1976 upon the retirement of the long time Macomb County Sheriff, he was recruited to be a candidate for the office, an offer he declined in favor of being appointed Warren Police Commissioner.Two years after his retirement he and his wife Irene moved to their 80 acres in Bessemer, in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, which they had purchased a decade earlier. They lived there together for over three decades where Charles enjoyed pursuing his passion for the outdoors which he passed on to his children. He was an avid deer and game bird hunter and enjoyed working outdoors planting shrubs and trees. He and Irene's children and grandchildren visited them often over the years as did extended family and friends. Charles was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Clementine Groesbeck, his daughter, Cindy Groesbeck and seven siblings. He is survived by his wife, Irene Groesbeck, his son, Gary(Cindy)Groesbeck, his daughter, Kim(Bob)Cedroni, his son, Eugene(Cheryl)Groesbeck, his sister, Alice Groesbeck, ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, MI with visitation on Friday, October 6 from 3-9pm. At 7pm the Warren Police Honor Guard will honor his service to the police department and eulogies will follow. On Saturday, October 7th at 11:15 am, a mass will be said in his honor at St. Faustina Catholic Church, 14025 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI with military honors to follow the mass. Immediately following, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, a luncheon to celebrate Charles life will be held at the Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights, MI. Internment at Great Lakes Veterans Cemetery will occur at a later date TBD. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Charles name.