Charles L. Deike, Jr.

Mr. Charles “Chuck” Lewis Deike, Jr., age 76, entered eternal life on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Chuck was born in Minden City, Michigan, on November 16, 1947, to Charles L. II & Martha A. (née Warczinsky) Deike and was raised alongside his siblings Eugene, Marjorie, and Doris. After high school, Chuck honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. On June 22, 1968, Chuck wed his high school sweetheart, Cheryl A. O’Mara. Together they shared 56 years of marriage, raised their three children, and bonus daughter Katja Kelpy, as well as welcomed into their home 24 foster children. Before his retirement in 2004, Chuck worked with United Parcel Service (UPS) as a delivery driver for 35 years and spent 20 of those years as the Vassar area delivery man. He and Cheryl were parishioners of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Vassar and Chuck was involved with the Knights of Columbus #7591 and attained the Third Degree. Further, Chuck was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He proudly went on a hunting expedition to Africa and returned with several trophies. Above all, family was most important to Chuck and his legacy as a beloved husband, devoted father, and wonderful grandfather will live on. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is forever loved by his wife, Cheryl; children: Tonia (David) Anglin, Colleen (Joel) Comstock, Bobbi (Dave) Gamet; and Katja Kelpy; eight grandchildren: Allison, Lucas, Lauren, Alec, Zack, Charlotte “Charlie”, Colin, and Katherine; sister, Marjorie; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Martha; brother, Eugene; and sister, Doris. May they rest in peace.

Chuck’s family will welcome visitors to Hanlin Funeral Home in Vassar on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Vassar, with visiting from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Rite of Committal and Military Honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Riverside Cemetery, Vassar.

Donations in Chuck’s memory may be directed to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish of Vassar or V.N.A. Hospice.

Kindly share a memory with Chuck's family in the guestbook below.

Chuck and his family are in the care of  Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823-8621.

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