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Charles Hetrick Obituary
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Born on October 16, 1940, in Charlotte, MI, Chuck was the son of John and Marion (Woodard) Hetrick. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 1958 before proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he attended Michigan State University, earning a bachelor's degree in education.
Chuck dedicated his career to teaching, working as a Physical Education and Industrial Arts teacher for Holt Public Schools until his retirement in 1993. In addition to his teaching career, he was the proud owner and operator of Charlie's Christmas Tree Farm on Rossman Highway in Eaton Rapids.
An adventurous spirit, Chuck and his wife, Cheryl, traveled extensively and spent their winters in Green Valley, AZ, and most recently in Prescott Valley, AZ. A devoted Michigan State Spartans fan, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the football, basketball, and hockey teams.
Chuck dedicated countless hours to constructing his home on the family farm in Eaton Rapids, a place he took great pride in. He also had a deep love for animals, especially his loyal German Shepherds, who were always by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marion Hetrick, sister Joann Hengstebeck, and nephew Dan Hengstebeck,
Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cheryl Hetrick; daughter, Renee Lynk; son, Brian (Elfa) Hetrick; grandchildren, Matthew Hetrick, Jonathan Hetrick, Marissa Woodward, and Marshall Woodward; brother, Robert (Sally) Hetrick; brother-in-law, Jim Hengstebeck, sister-in-law, Cherie (Rob) Trautz, his beloved dog, Kelsey, several nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Paws for Vets in memory of Chuck. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Maggie's Hospice, Steven Murray, Kurt Caron, and Jim Kennicott.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
James Rowe
February 21, 2025
Chuck and I were high school classmates, friends and football teammates. I moved to Florida many years ago but would see Chuck at class reunions. In recent years, when I am at my place on Gun Lake in the summer, Chuck, Homer "Deke" Bentley, Jim Kennicott and I would get together in ER to relive old memories and debate current events.
Chuck was one of the "good guys" and he will be missed.
Jim
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Michael Hengstebeck
February 21, 2025
Growing up, my Uncle Charlie was my idol. Countless hours sitting on the fender of a tractor or standing on a hay wagon. Hard work was ingrained into me at a young age and the value of it. Working in the tree fields all summer and from open to close at Christmas time. There were also a lot of fun days, going to the gym where he worked and playing softball on the farm memorial day. I can assure you, God does not build men like him anymore. The memories will stay with me forever.
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