Dr. Gerald Thomas Charbeneau

CHARBENEAU, DR. GERALD THOMAS
Dr. Gerald Thomas Charbeneau of Ann Arbor, Michigan, devoted husband, father, grandfather, dental professor, and friend to many, passed away on July 2, 2012 from complications associated with Alzheimer Disease. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. The youngest son of Clarence and Pearl Charbeneau, "Jerry" was born on July 22, 1925 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, where he spent his childhood and young adult years. Dr. Charbeneau was educated at Michigan Normal College in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, from which he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1948, and a Master of Science degree in 1949. On June 28, 1947, he married his college sweetheart, the former Margaret Jane Dohm, in Detroit, Michigan. The couple have three children: Thomas and wife Michelle of Paris, Texas; Randall and wife Nancy of Austin, Texas, and Sue and husband Rodney Grambeau of Harbor Springs, Michigan. They have seven grandchildren. Dr. Charbeneau spent the first four years of his dental career in private practice and the US Air Force Dental Corps. He then began a life-long career in dental education at The University of Michigan, rising through the professorial ranks to become Chairman of Operative Dentistry in 1969. He retired in 1988 after 40 years of service to the University. Jerry was a consummate craftsman and builder and loved playing golf with family and friends. In 1967 the Charbeneaus built a cottage on Beaver Island, Michigan. During several of the summers on the island, he helped organize Red Cross blood drives. The couple moved to Petoskey, Michigan in May 2012 where Jerry was a resident of Mallard Cove assisted living. The family was most grateful for the compassionate care he received throughout his brief stay there. Jerry and Marg were long-time members of Westside United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor. Following a 2:00 memorial service at their Church on July18, his remains will be placed in the church Memorial Garden. Memorial donations may be made to Mallard Cove, 2801 Charlevoix Ave., Petoskey, MI, Hospice of Northwest Michigan, 220 W. Garfield, Charlevoix, MI, or Westside United Methodist Church, 900 So. Seventh St., Ann Arbor, MI. Jerry's passing has left a void in the hearts of all those he touched, and Heaven has now become an even better place. Arrangements were made through Schiller Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com