Charles Frederick Michaelis

1940 - 2023

Charles Frederick Michaelis – Devoted husband, amazing father and loving grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023 in Santa Cruz at the age of 82, joining his beautiful and incredible wife in Heaven. Charles "Chuck" was born on July 3, 1940 to Raymond and Philemon (Latterell) Michaelis of St. Cloud, MN. He was the oldest of two children.Chuck was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ann Therese Michaelis, in 2020 as well as his parents and sister, Mary Ackerknecht. He is survived by his three children, Tom Michaelis, Casey Michaelis and his wife Sabrina, and Joe Michaelis; his 8 grandchildren, Alex, Mikaela, Jack, Brianna, Colby, Carter, Lia, and Brodie. Chuck attended St. Cloud Tech high school in St. Cloud, MN then transferred to Mankato High School for his senior year where he graduated and met his future wife. In high school he was a 3-sport athlete playing football, running track, and of course playing hockey. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.Chuck married Ann Cashman on December 27, 1963 in Mankato, MN. After they married, they moved to California and lived in Gustine for two years then moved to Fremont and lived there for two years. In 1968 Chuck and Ann moved to Santa Cruz, built their house, raised their 3 boys, and lived here ever since.Chuck worked for Granite Construction and other local construction companies for over 50 years. He helped open the Santa Cruz office for Granite. He was very active in the community, including being involved supporting little league and in pony league baseball as president for several years. He also helped Ann coordinate and build a new pool house and bleachers at Harbor High School which was named after her (ANNex) in 1990. In the past few years, Chuck volunteered his time by tending to the gardens at Holy Cross cemetery.He loved spending time with family and friends (especially the LERTS) and enjoyed traveling to visit family in Minnesota and trips to Ireland with his wife. He also loved playing golf and especially loved playing the card game Buck Euchre, which he taught to all the neighborhood kids. He really enjoyed playing hide-and-go-seek in his yard with his grandchildren.There will be a viewing on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 12:00 to 2:00pm and a memorial service at 2:00pm. Both the viewing and service will be at Benito and Azzaro, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz. Immediately following the service there will be a reception. Details will be provided at the service.In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association.