Charles Jefferson Gonder

Charles Jefferson Gonder Jr. was born on September 16, 1951 to Charles Jefferson Gonder Sr. and Dorothy Louise Gonder (nee: Hobbs). He was a very precocious child, and as the eldest sibling he frequently took on more responsibilities than most. He also worked at Master Cleaners, the family's successful dry cleaning business as a teenager. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1970, and would go on to graduate from KVCC with an Associates of Applied Science - Nursing degree in 1976. He was pioneer in the nursing field, as there were very few black male nurses in the Kalamazoo area at that time. While working at Borgess Hospital, he would meet Bridget Kae Tucker in 1979. Charles and Bridget married in 1980 and would remain united in marriage for 45 years. From their union, there were born two daughters, Natalie and Crystal. Before retiring in 2006, Charles dedicated nearly three decades working for Borgess Hospital and the State of Michigan in the nursing field. His career with the State started at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital and he later transferred to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He relished in his early years of retirement caring for and spending time with his five grandchildren and traveling with his wife. Charles was an avid fan of all types of music, from the Beatles, to Motown, etc., he loved to dance and was well versed the world of finance and investing. He was also a major fan of all Michigan sports, especially the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and the Michigan Wolverines. He exceeded all expectations and lived a full life in spite of having had Type I diabetes since young adulthood.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loyal wife, Bridget Tucker Gonder; daughters, Natalie Gonder Jones of Brandon, FL, Crystal Brazoban (Robert) of Wimauma, FL; grandchildren, Serenity Durazno Gonder, Jaden Jones, Mark Jones, Jr., Bryan Brazoban, and Brianna Brazoban; sisters, Pamela (Lee) Pearson, Teri Lynn Gibbs, Sandra Houston, Dione Gibbs; brothers, Mark Gonder and Jimmy Fields, a close friend who was like a brother, Leonza (Tamara) Hudson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones. He was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Eugene and Minnie Gonder; parents Charles Gonder, Sr. and Dorothy Hobbs; and stepmother, Martha Gonder Harrell. In memory of his life and legacy the family supports you making a donation in his name to a charity of your choice.