Charles Deminck Jr.

Charles De­Minck Jr, age 72, of Rockford, MI passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2017 surrounded by his family. Chuck lived every last day to its absolute fullest in his fear­less fight against cancer. Chuck was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attend­ed Forest Hills High School and continued his education at Grand Rapids Junior Col­lege. He earned his degree in Drafting. Chuck also served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War years. Although Chuck had a very successful business career, his family was what mattered most. He married the love of his life, Chari (Johnston) DeMinck on October 23, 1965. They were married for 52 years. Their love for each other was undeniable, respectful, and compassionate. Chuck was a true gentleman. He modeled a value based lifestyle and set an excellent example of what a man does for his fam­ily. Chuck was so proud of his amazing twin daughters Man­die and Barbie. Nothing was more important to Chuck then his “girls”. He coached their t-ball and basketball teams and he would never miss one of their games. Travel was an important part of Chuck and Chari’s lives together. They were always going somewhere on a new adventure together. Whether it was a cruise on the Medi­terranean Sea, diving in Aru­ba, whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon or driving their motorhome across the coun­try, they never let the grass grow too long under their feet. Chuck was an avid outdoor enthusiast and a member of the Rockford Sportsman’s Club. He had an intense pas­sion for canoeing, kayaking and occasionally wrapping one around a large rock and having to duct tape the canoe back together to complete the trip. He also loved camp­ing, hunting, golf, shooting and collecting guns, knives and cars. He was a “man’s man” in every sense of the word. Chuck had many spe­cial friends that were near and dear to his heart. Chuck is survived by his wife, Chari DeMinck, his daughter Amanda (Eric) Grunewald and grandsons Jacob and Reece Grunewald, daughter Barbara (Chad) Soper and grandchil­dren Chloe, Cameron, and Cearra Soper, brother Craig (Judy) DeMinck, sister Debra (Ken) Engebretsen, brother-in-law Thomas (Sally) John­ston, sister-in-law Jane (Nick) Frank, sister-in-law Julie (An­gela) Johnston. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Annette DeMinck. The family will greet fam­ily and friends on Friday, May 5 from 10:00 am until the time of memorial mass at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Rockford. Rev. Fr. Peter Damian celebrant. A lun­cheon will follow at the Church reception hall immediately fol­lowing the service. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Chuck’s grandson, Jacob Grunewald to www.fmdsa.org for Fibromuscular Dysplasia research or Make A Wish Foundation. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.