Charles M. Petersen

Charles “Chuck” Martin Petersen, age 75, of Belding, MI, passed away peacefully at Spectrum Health, Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Carl Henry and Ethel Florence (Weersing) Petersen, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Creston High School and continued his education at Grand Valley completing his degree. Chuck proudly served his country as a Captain in the Signal Corps in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life, Louise Mary Frank, on December 28, 1966, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. Chuck worked for many years in Wholesale Heating and Cooling Management before retiring.

Chuck was a quiet, intelligent, kind man, embodying the Petersen traits of independence and resourcefulness. He used his varied skills to build a private paradise on a piece of land that was once a rocky cow pasture. He and Louise were a great team whose hands built and maintained every square inch of their home and gardens. With a casual and relaxed attitude, he made crackling fires, shoveled the lake for ice skating at Christmas, and built bonfires in the summer after a day of fishing and canoeing. Chuck was patient, persistent, and enduring, especially dauntless in the face of problems. He was encouraging and supportive of his children and grandchildren in their choices and pursuits.

Chuck was known for building things - not just building things that were useful or decorative - but building relationships through acts of service. When the family room heater broke in his son’s house where there was a newborn granddaughter, he laid on the floor in his Christmas sweater fixing it. He built intricate bird houses, boxes and toys for his grandchildren, and unique decorations for graduation parties. He made his famous sausage and egg breakfasts which greeted visitors in the morning, and green bean casserole for every holiday. He even wheeled the barbecue grill directly up to the sliding glass door so we could make a nice dinner in a blizzard.

Geology, archeology, and history were his lifelong interests and affected his worldview. Chuck was a man of few spoken words, but his writing was thoughtful and articulate. There was a complexity, curiosity, and humor to him that one could perceive during conversations. His quiet kindness will be greatly missed. May his memory live on within his family and friends.

Chuck is survived by his dear wife, Louise, and his children, Teresa Petersen (Andrew Moskalik), Jeffrey Petersen (Mary) and grandchildren Elena Moskalik, John Petersen, and Antonia Petersen, as well as siblings Jim (Wendy), Bruce, Lee, Tom (Deb), Cris (Lucy), and Keri, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Private memorial services will take place at Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding. Those wishing to express sympathy are welcomed to consider a donation in Chuck’s memory to Vietnam Veterans of America.

For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300.