Charles (Chuck) Mlcek passed away on Sep. 8, 2023, at home, surrounded by family.

He was born in Frankfort, Michigan, on Jan. 10, 1949, to Charles and Kathryn Mlcek. Chuck grew up in Copemish, and had many fun stories of growing up with his siblings at the family farm, hunting and fishing with his dad, and getting into mischief with his buddies.

Chuck was in the United States Navy for four years, serving as a Machinist's Mate.

He married Karen Gray on Dec. 14, 1973, and they were married just shy of 50 years. Chuck and Karen lived in Mesick, Michigan, where they raised their children, Kenneth Mlcek and Lindsey (Nicholas) Palomba, who survive him. Chuck was an extremely proud and loving father. He spent a lot of time with Ken and Lindsey, teaching and instilling important life skills.

Chuck is the fun, caring grandfather of Maxon, Miles, and Myra Palomba. He is survived by his siblings: brother, Jerry Mlcek; sister, Janet Yonker (Richard Brinn); sister, Betty (Tom) Root; sister, Mary Rineer (Dave Kohler); brother-in-law, Jerry Crispell; and many nieces and nephews. Chuck is also survived by his siblings-in-law: Nancy (Ron) Stevens, Tom (Cindy) Gray, Barb (Bob) Hammond, Sharon Gray, Jim (Michelle) Gray, Pat (Edie) Gray; and many more nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Kathryn Mlcek; his sister, Kathy Crispell; his mother and father-in-law, Wendell and Imogene Gray; and his brother-in-law, Jack Gray.

Chuck retired from the United States Postal Service; he took pride in his work and was known to provide trusted service to his customers. He enjoyed spending time with family, road trips to the U.P., hunting, watching football (especially the Green Bay Packers), and had a love for old cars. During retirement, Chuck enjoyed several road trips, both in and out of state, with Karen. They also spent a lot of time at the U. P. cabin on Lake Michigan. He loved being able to hunt with his son, Ken. He adored his three grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Chuck was a "tinker-er" and was always creating tools to help make jobs around the home easier. His life is celebrated as family shares memories of Chuck and his amazing talents and funny personality.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, Sep. 30, 2023, at the Big Bear Sportsman's Club in Kaleva, Michigan, (8927 Puustinen Road, Kaleva, MI 49645).

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported them during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the Copemish American Legion Hall (American Legion Post 531, 18483 Cadillac Highway, Copemish, MI 49625) or St. Raphael Catholic Church in Copemish, MI (PO BOX 150, Onekama, MI 49675).

The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements.

www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com