Charles William Dahlinger

Charles ‘Chuck’ Dahlinger Jr., of Kalamazoo, MI passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6. Chuck was born on September 6, 1936, in Pittsburgh, PA to Charles and Edna (Grote) Dahlinger along with his siblings, Russel (Edna, d. 2014) Dahlinger (d. 2016) and Diane (Rick) McGiffin. Chuck is a proud alum of Alleghany High School and the University of Pittsburgh, where he was on the swimming team. Chuck’s love of swimming led to working as a lifeguard at Riverview Pool, where he met the love of his life, Marianne (Suhanin) Dahlinger (d. 2017). After 4 years of dating and a failed elopement under the Kaufmann’s Clock in Pittsburgh, Chuck and Marianne were happily married for 58 years until Marianne’s passing in 2017. Following graduation, Chuck served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later built a successful career as a salesman for Graphic Packaging. His work took him and Marianne across the midwest with their three children Chuck (Pam) Dahlinger III, Dawnanne (Roger) Hinman, and Mike (Missy) Dahlinger before calling Portage, MI home. Chuck had a love of the Detroit Tigers and also playing slow pitch softball for many years. After retiring Chuck found his true calling and had a second career as a substitute teacher. In retirement, he was deeply dedicated to his grandchildren and was often seen cheering behind home plate at baseball and softball games, on the 18th green of the golf course, and in the auditorium at recitals and musicals. In his later years, Chuck was known around the halls of Friendship Village for his curiosity, humor, and warmth. He was lovingly cared for by the staff, nurses, and caregivers at Friendship Village until his passing. He will be remembered for his kindness, wit, and unwavering love for his family. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Dianne (Rick) McGiffin; his godchild Elizabeth (Chelsey) McGiffin; his children Chuck (Pam) Dahlinger III, Dawnanne (Roger) Hinman, and Mike (Missy) Dahlinger; and his 6 grandchildren Alex (Alisa) Corbit, Katie Corbit, Nick (Sunnie) Corbit, Megan Dahlinger, Danielle Dahlinger, and Hayden Dahlinger. He also has many extended great grandchildren. A memorial is scheduled for Friday, November 28 from 1:00-3:00pm at Martell’s, 3501 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Chuck’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF).