Charles E. Coonrod Jr, 90, of Waters, Michigan passed away Sunday, March 19,2017, at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in Grayling.
He was born on January 12, 1927, in Chesaning, Michigan, to Charles and Frances (Ruff) Coonrod Sr. Chuck was a Staff Sgt. in the Army during WWII. He married Anna Backa in July of 1947 and together they raised their family of seven children. He worked as a mechanic at a local Gaylord automobile dealership and as a part-time janitor at Gaylord State Bank. Later he was hired by the Gaylord Public School system as a mechanic and bus driver. He retired from the Gaylord Public School System in 1989 after 26 years of service. Chuck was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a good husband and father and will be deeply missed.
Surviving are his wife, Anna, seven children, Margaret (Robert) Hunt, Mary Coonrod, Betty (Sandy) Eastway, Linda Christiansen, Irene (Robert) Kidder, Anne (Ron Richards) Pung, Charles Coonrod III, his grandchildren, Tracy Kidder and Christy (Andy) Walcott, great-grandchildren, Drake and Allaina Wilhoit, his sister, Helen Gasser.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Don and Jim, sisters Mary Hedrich and Theresa Koepplinger, and his son-in-law Clair Christiansen.
Cremation arrangements have been handled by Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, Michigan. A private family gathering will take place later this summer to celebrate his life. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or the family.
10 comments on “Coonrod, Charles E., Jr.”
My sincere condolences to your entire family. The loss of a parent is never easy and grief never leaves us, it just changes over time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Aunt Anne and family, So sorry to hear about Uncle Chuck. He was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We’ll plant a tree in his memory, and forever remember his shining smiles at the Post Office. Not to mention how much we enjoyed talking at his garage sales! Prayers for you all!
Our sincerest condolences go out to the entire family. You will be in our prayers.
Ann and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Chuck was a good friend when I worked at the bank and drove school bus. He and Ray Kalamyski always gave me a hard time. Chuck, you will be missed by all that knew you.
Vince
Growing up by Otsego Lake, I have many, MANY wonderful memories of your dad. I can’t pass by your house without thinking: there’s the Coonrod house….please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers…
I just learned of Mr. Coonrod’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time.
I just read the obituary online. I am sincerely sorry for the families loss of a dear loved one.
We’ll plant a tree in his memory, and forever remember his shining smiles at the Post Office. Not to mention how much we enjoyed talking at his garage sales! Prayers for you all!
I just read the obituary online. I am sincerely sorry for the families loss of a dear loved one.