Traverse City, Michigan
FRANKFORT — Charles "Charlie" Phillip Kirshner, 72, Frankfort resident, died May 13, 2008, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Charles was born on Oct. 28, 1935, in Kansas City, Mo., to Frannie and George Kirshner.
He graduated from Central Michigan University in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in Arts. Charles was in the Army ROTC as well.
He married Marilyn Ruth McPherson on Sept. 11, 1965.
Charles came to Frankfort on vacations with his family during the summer for many years and was part of the Christian Assembly on Crystal Lake. His love of the area motivated him to become a resident of Frankfort.
Charles was full of life, spirit and intelligence. He spent several years of his life substitute teaching at the local schools, bringing many laughs to his students. He was a thrill seeker by nature.
His first love and dedication was to his family but coming a close second was hang gliding. At age 39, a determined Charles built and flew his own hang glider. And, as he loved all flying, he then became an avid pilot, accumulation over 300 flying hours. In addition, he was a lifelong skier. At age 63, he decided that two boards were not challenging enough, so he took up snow boarding instead.
Charles also spent a considerable amount of time at the library (or the Smoke Stack), driven by his intense interest in just about everything and desire to get into a great conversation.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marilyn Kirshner; and two daughters, Heidi and Heather; a brother, William Kirshner of Corpus Christie, Texas; and sisters, Sheri Barnes of Auburn, N.Y., and Ginny Axon of Bloomfield Hills.
A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2008, at the Elberta United Methodist Church, with Reverend Greg Culver officiating.
Those wishing to may make contributions to the Benzie Shores Library.
Jowett Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, where beautiful ceremonies celebrate life, is handling the arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
heather, hiedi, mom kirshner,
i never got the pleasure of meeting your father/husband but what i have been told about him threw the wonderful memorys that you have shared with me , i am very sure i would have really enjoyed him.
i am very sorry for your loss, and my prayers and thoughts are with you at this terrible time . sending you all my love and strenght .
daniele
daniele bilfeld
May 28, 2008 | Huntersville, NC
I miss you terribly Daddy.
Heather Kirshner
May 26, 2008 | Huntersville, NC
Heather, Heidi, and Marilyn,
Our prayers are with you during this hard time. I, like Shelly, remember many fun times at your house as kids, and never knowing "what was next" when it came to your father. He always kept us guessing AND laughing! You are so lucky to have such a strong family and tremendous support system during this time. Peace to you. Heather, I am a phone call away. Contact me any time!
Mark & Andrea (Metes) Wilamowski
May 23, 2008 | Grosse Pointe, MI
Heather, Heidi, and family, Sorry to hear your father has passed.My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Beth Acre (McClellan)
May 20, 2008 | Traverse City, MI
Marilyn,
Our sympathies go out to you, Heidi and Heather. The last few years we have missed seeing and flying with Charlie. He always had a ready smile and laugh.
Wayne & Sandy Bergman
May 20, 2008 | Muskegon, MI
Charlie will be missed by all. He was a great man with a helping hand for everyone. What I remember most was his ability to take life’s bad and good always showing a smile never letting bad things carry on his shoulders. We all love you and will miss you dearly.
Fly High Charlie!
-
Eugene Bumbacco
May 19, 2008 | Sault Ste. Marie, ON
So sorry for your loss. While I didn't know Charlie well, I always found him very approachable and friendly. He will most certainly be missed.
You may not recognize my name; I'm a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Hang Gliding Club and have flown with Charlie on occasion.
Dwight Donaghue
May 19, 2008 | Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Marilyn (Mom), Heidi and Heather...my greatest sympathies to you and your family at this time...I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the conversations I had with him when I'd come over for dinner and his kind and gentle ways and how he was always willing to help out..even if it was for a phone jack that had no guts :) He was a wonderful man and father, and I will miss him alot...
I love you guys:)
Jyl Fitzhugh
May 18, 2008 | Honor, MI
Marilyn, Heather & Heidi:
So sorry and sadden to see the passing of "Phil". I will always remember his great sense of humor and all the fun I had with him at your house as a child. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Shelley Kidder
May 18, 2008 | Frankfort, MI
