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November 2, 2017

Charles J. Kolarik, Died Nov. 2, 2017




Charles J. Kolarik

Died Nov. 2, 2017



SUTTONS BAY – Charles John Kolarik, 91, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 at Tendercare of Leelanau.



Charles was born Nov. 24, 1925 in Gills Pier, MI, the son of Martin and Lena (Houdek) Kolarik.  On Sep. 30, 1947 at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay, he married Mary Christine (Reicha) Kolarik who preceded him in death on Feb. 23, 1983.



As a young man he served his nation in the U.S. Army during WWII, seeing service in Okinawa, Japan, and was one of the first to see Nagasaki after the atomic bomb and once even guarded Gen. McArthur.  After being honorably discharged, Charles returned to Suttons Bay and worked for the Leelanau Co. Road Commission for 39 years.



Anyone who knew Charles, loved him.  He was a kind and generous man who opened his heart and his home to adopt his children - always calling three of them “Charlie’s Angels.”  He celebrated adoption days as a 2nd birthday for each.  Charles loved polka music, playing cards, working on motors, and was gardening up until the end of August growing tomatoes and cucumbers at the Toy House.




Charles is survived by his children, Cynthia (David) Schaub, Kenneth (Yvonne) Kolarik, Karen (Leo) Kohler, and Judy (Christopher) Moutsatson; seven grandchildren, Megan Livingston, Melanie Schaub, Carrie Richter, Justin Schaub, Melissa Herman, Joshua Schaub, and Jordan Moutsatson; three great grandchildren, Dylan Barnowski, Kyla Barnowski, Zachary Richter; and a brother-in-law, James Lewis.

In addition to his wife, Mary, Charles was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Hansen; two sisters, Helena (Fred) Schaub and Marie Lewis.



Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons Bay.  Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.



Memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

Please share memories and condolences below or on our Facebook page.


2 comments:

  1. Gordon and Deanna Schaib4:45 PM

    Uncle Charlie will be greatly missed by us and our family. We will especially miss his story telling and his laughter. He was our excuse for heading north.

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  2. Anonymous6:09 AM

    My condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one, and may you find comfort in the future promises to mankind from Almighty God, through His written word, the Bible, long ago God foretold that He would rid His earth of everything that causes us pain, suffering and sorrow, please read Acts 24:15, Revelation 21:4,5.

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