Charles J. Andrews

Born in Detroit, Michigan on September 11, 1938 Departed on May 24, 2025 Resided in Orchard Lake, Michigan and Glen Lake, Michigan Charles (Chuck, to most) was a man of many interests, as he might say “a jack of all trades, a master of none.” He was the captain of his wood boats; the builder of sailboats, hydroplanes, kayaks, canoes, and a paddleboard (with his granddaughter, Taylor); an ambassador to wood boat societies; an owner of “old” things that moved on land or water, the most prized being a 1966 Morgan, a 1915 Model T, and various old wood boats; the “farmer” of hops and apples; the lifelong admirer of the beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula; a loyal University of Michigan football and basketball booster; and the bartender of choice for all to enjoy a cocktail on the beach of Glen Lake or Orchard Lake.

Charles J. Andrews

Chuck was involved in and supported many charitable organizations. To name a few: the Leelanau Conservancy, The Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the University of Michigan Medical School-Hematology. He enjoyed building wooden cars that were donated to local children’s hospitals by a woodworking club.

Chuck graduated from the University of Michigan in 1960 with a business degree. It is in college where he met Alice. They married on February 4, 1961, had three children, and enjoyed over 35 years of marriage until Alice’s death in 1996. Chuck was employed by Ford Motor Company for most of his career and retired from the company after 30 years in 1994. Chuck was married to his second wife, Judy, from 2006 until her death in 2018.

Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family especially teaching or sharing his expertise and in enjoying their interests and activities. He was father to Tracey, Chris (Karen), and Jennifer Moilanen; stepfather to Steve White and Amy Maguire (Frank Kopitz) He was grandfather to Chase, Taylor, and Carson Moilanen; and to Delaney and Luke Andrews. He was uncle to Lynn Cowles (Richard) and Jody Virgne (Ricky). He was preceded in death by his mother, Delphine Johnston Andrews; his father, Charles Cecil Andrews, and his sister, Adelaide (Gary) Ford.

Friends and family are welcome to visit on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10am. Funeral services will follow at 11am at A.J.Desmond & Sons, 32515 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073.

Private Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the charity of one’s choice.