Charles "Chuck" Elder

Charles Shafer Elder was born September 13, 1958 to Edward and Carole Elder. The third of four boys, he grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, graduating from Andover High School in 1976 in the same class as his eventual bride, Sue Ann Hawley. He spent much of his childhood outdoors: on a lake, in a pool, on a ski slope, working at a golf course, or causing general chaos with his brothers in Wabeek. He would go on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering and Master’s of Business Administration. He entered the manufacturing business world, which would become his life’s passion, working his way up through a number of companies. Traveling extensively, his work with TaeguTec and Ingersoll Cutting Tools took him to Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Israel, Korea, Japan, China and beyond. In the twilight of his career, Chuck took on a leadership role with parent company IMC Group, spearheading a new direction for the Israeli-based metalworking group.

Married in 1982, Chuck and Sue Ann settled in West Bloomfield (or as he would insist, Orchard Lake), not far from their parents. They built a home and later a family, welcoming children Max and Brynn. Chuck instilled a love of sport, the outdoors, and competition in both his children. Throughout their lives, his concise advice, spreadsheets, and famous “research” were the perfect complement to Sue Ann’s more extensive comments and critiques.

Chuck’s passion, determination, and creativity along with ubiquitous charisma and humor permeated his life: business, family, and otherwise. With legendary Elder stubbornness, he would drive, fly, swim, or walk to the ends of the earth for those he loved.

Survived by family, friends, and coworkers, he will be dearly missed, especially by wife Sue Ann, son Max, daughter Brynn, mother Carole, brothers Jim, Don, Ken, and countless others.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11:00am at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church, 1340 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, Michigan 48302.  Family and friends will be arriving at the church promptly at 11:00am with services to commence upon arrival.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate that any memorial contributions be made to the charity or entity of one's choosing.