Charles Harris Michler, Jr. 59

Charles Harris Michler, Jr., age 59, died January 19th at his home from the effects of a brain tumor. He was the son of Jane Blount Michler and the late Charles Harris Michler, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen Temple Michler. He attended the University of Kentucky, and earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in horticulture from The Ohio State University, with specialties in plant physiology and biochemistry. He retired earlier this month after 30 years with the USDA Forest Service, serving the latter years as Program Manager, Director of the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) and the Tropical HTIRC, and as an Adjunct Professor of Forestry at Purdue University.

Charles was devoted to his work, and he also loved to spend time cooking, puttering around his yard, and relaxing with Karen at their Lake Lemon cottage, or drowning worms off the dock there.

In addition to his mother, Charles is survived by sisters Louise Brown and Janie Wills (Zeke), nieces and nephews: Charlotte Brown-Zalewa (Donald), Adam Brown (Rosie), Mac McDaniel (Kayli), Mary O'Black (Weston), Will McDaniel (Kari), Ellen Macadam, Milly Macadam, Emma Macadam, Luke Macadam, 4 great nieces, and 2 great nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 1184 Sagamore Pkwy W, in West Lafayette on Saturday, January 23, with visitation at noon and the service at 1:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy are suggested to Purdue Foundation (with memo note: Michler Graduate Endowment), Agriculture Development, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier on Jan. 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Michler

21 Entries

Charlie Fink

November 7, 2020

I am so sorry that I am so late in learning about charles’ passing. He and I were office mates in graduate school at OSU and developed a friendship over two years of being together, When I learned of Karen's’ passing we reconnected but not for long on FB. It has been many years but I will always remember him for his grace and dignity, guidance and friendship during our graduate years. Bless you Charles.

October 25, 2016

October 24, 2016

Hi, I found this guy touching a hardwood tree, i added him to my carpentry slideshow and put his obituary at the end. we all love Charles!

Ningxia Du

February 10, 2016

Great mentor. Wonderful person to talk with. I shall always remember your kindness and thoughtful manner. Appreciate everything you've done for us. Thank you!

Mamie McIndoe

February 5, 2016

Charles was a wonderful man. I knew him when he met Karen as Karen and I were sorority sisters. Charles and Karen were kindred spirits.
Charles was a wonderful man-- kind, considerate and loved his work and wife.
I loved hearing of all he was doing and the travels and lectures.
He will be missed and I know he and Karen are together again.

January 25, 2016

Dear Jane,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you during this sad time.
Sincerely, Vivian C. Wright

Alice Anderson

January 24, 2016

I met Prof. Charles Michler when I went on a tour of the Forestry Center at Purdue with a group from Purdue Women's Club...my condolences to his family at his passing...my thoughts and prayers are with you...

Hongtao Zhou

January 22, 2016

Charles, you have a big heart of love. I really appreciate the wonderful time you shared with us as a Boilermaker in FNR family. You are the cool man. You will missed and loved by us. Mahalo! with the warmest Aloha.

Owen Burney

January 22, 2016

Charles was a truly remarkable human being. He helped so many people without thought of recompense. He was always kind and welcoming. I will miss his smile. You will be deeply missed.

Linda Owen

January 22, 2016

To Charles' family and friends, We are so very sorry for your loss. Charles was a joy to know and will be greatly missed. We had some good times as neighbors and friends.

Sherry LeMaster

January 22, 2016

To live in the hearts we leave behind is never to die. Blessings to you and your family, Janie. Deepest condolences

Martin-Michel Gauthier

January 22, 2016

I am very saddened by this news. Charles was always available to provide help and advice when I needed it. My thoughts go out to his family.

January 22, 2016

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for those ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Louise (clements) Robinson

January 22, 2016

Jane- So sorry to hear of your son's death - thinking of you

Ginger Camenisch

January 22, 2016

DearJanie, Knowing you, it's not surprising to read the lovely tributes to your brother via his obituary and the condolence messages of others. Peace to you and others who loved him. Sincerely, Ginger Camenisch

Julie Huang

January 21, 2016

In loving memory of a wonderful person who will be loved and missed always.
Thanks so much for being so nice and so helpful to me!!! It was so sad that you did not have a chance to read my email that I sent on Jan. 16, 2016.
RIP!!!

Janis Gosewehr

January 21, 2016

I will miss working, talking, and laughing with him. He was such a nice and onerary guy. It was an honor to know him for 15 years. Praying for the family during this difficult time. May God help you through this time. RIP Charles. I will miss you.

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