Kenneth Charles "Charlie" Wright MD

MARQUETTE, MI – Kenneth Charles "Charlie" Wright, MD, age 99, of Marquette, passed away peacefully at his home on March 19, 2026.

Born November 15, 1926, in Evansville, Indiana, he was the son of Kenneth Snyder and Laura Ann (Johann) Wright. He was raised in Evansville and graduated from Bosse High School with the Class of 1944.

Following high school, Charlie served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended Radio Material School at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, where he remained as an instructor. He received an honorable discharge on August 12, 1946.

After his military service, he attended Indiana University, earning his bachelor's degree and subsequently receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1951. He completed his internship at Cincinnati General Hospital.

While in medical school, Charlie met the love of his life, Grace Katherine Carr. The two were married on May 4, 1952. Together, they built a life grounded in mutual respect, shared purpose, and dedication to family and community.

The couple moved to Detroit, where Dr. Wright completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital, followed by training in cardiology and gastroenterology. In 1956 he moved to Marquette, where he became the first internal medicine specialist in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

A pioneer in his field, Dr. Wright founded the Internal Medicine group in Marquette, and was instrumental in the founding of the U.P. Medical Center. He maintained a private practice for decades, earning a reputation as a compassionate, dedicated, and highly respected physician. Known as a legendary doctor of his time, he continued practicing medicine until the age of 80, remaining committed to his patients throughout his career. His passion for medicine and service never waned. He continued caring for others at the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, and the Indian Health Service in South Dakota. Throughout his life he participated in numerous missionary trips, including to Zaire and Honduras.

Dr. Wright was deeply involved in his community, serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Marquette General Hospital board, the Peter White Public Library board, and as President of the Marquette Medical Center. He was chairman of the Darter-Dace Memorial Committee and a devoted member of the Marquette Rotary Club. His faith was important to him, and he was an active member of Woodland Church.

Outside of his professional life, Charlie found great joy in the outdoors. He loved hiking, camping, canoeing, jogging, hunting, sailing and cherished time spent with his family at the camp on Saux Head Lake.

A lifelong learner, he was rarely without a guidebook, always eager to identify birds, trees, and the natural world around him. He shared this curiosity with his family, teaching three generations not only how to fish, but the anatomy behind their catch.

He was a man of quiet strength, selfless, frugal, calm, and deeply compassionate. He valued education above all and instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of learning. Family trips were opportunities for discovery, often accompanied by encyclopedias so his children could learn about each place they visited.

From the very beginning, Charlie and Katie worked as a team, balancing career, family life, and commitment to the community with remarkable unity and understanding.

He is survived by four children: Kenneth Carr (Jane) Wright of Charleston, WV; David Charles (Yolanda) Wright of Guanajuato, Mexico; Susan Wright (John) Aucott of Lutherville, MD; and Pamela Wright (Arastoo) Yazdani of Fredericksburg, VA; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 71 years, Katie. The family would like to thank Jennifer Plis and the "White House Staff" of dedicated workers who provided loving care for Charlie and Katie in their final years. They would also like to thank the late Dr. Tom Huffman and Dr. Ryan Brang for providing excellent medical care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Global Polio Eradication Initiative at The Rotary Foundation, with "Polio Plus" in the memo line, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693, or to the Marquette Maritime Museum, 300 Lake Shore Blvd., Marquette, MI 49855.

A service to honor Dr. Wright's life will be held on June 3, 2026, at Woodland Church, 393 M-553, Marquette, Michigan. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with services beginning at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Jeff Woodward. A reception will follow the service. The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswansonhansen.com.