Charles William Siffert, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, left this world on December 29, 2023 at the age of 100.
Chuck was born on December 27, 1923 in Canton, Ohio. He was the only child of William Henry and Helen Ada Siffert.
The Siffert family moved from Ohio to Detroit before moving to Traverse City, where Chuck attended Traverse City Central High School and met his first wife, Phyllis Hockstad. In 1943 Chuck finished his high school experience at St. John’s Military Academy in Wisconsin. From there he was sent to Florida for training and induction in the US Army Air Corps.
Chuck was a member of the 384th bomb group, stationed in Grafton Underwood, England. At the completion of 5 missions as a waist gunner in a B-17 Chuck was sent to Las Vegas to teach at the Air Corps gunnery school.
When WWII ended Chuck studied horticulture at Michigan State University. He briefly partnered in a greenhouse near Lansing, then headed back to Traverse City where he raised and sold tomatoes to local grocery stores. After a few years, Chuck was afforded the opportunity to work with his father in sales at Parts Manufacturing Company. Thus began a successful, fulfilling career in sales, purchasing and management that began in Traverse City and ended in Grand Rapids. Toward the end of his career Chuck met his loving wife,Virginia. They retired to Traverse City and had 35 years together enjoying their homes on Grand Traverse Bay and several winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Fishing, golfing and skiing were lifetime hobbies that Chuck enjoyed. At age 51 he became a serious runner. He competed in a few triathlons and many 5K to 15K races, some with his son, David Siffert. At the age of 85, he ran his final Cherry Festival race along with his two grandsons, Tyler Sanborn and Tom Read.
In addition to his many activities Chuck always had time for friends and family. He was generous and loving. All who knew him will remember Chuck’s sweet, gentle manner and warm smile. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him tremendous joy. As long as he was able, he attended their sporting events and concerts.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Virginia, his children and step children, Susan (Bruce) Idema and David (Mariuxi) Siffert, Kim (Rick) Hill and Ron ( Joanna) VanDyke, his grandchildren, Jill (Thomas) Read, Tyler (Lindy) Sanborn, Aisha Crawford, Jason (Gina) Siffert, Angelo Siffert and Antonio Siffert, Alison VanDyke, Megan VanDyke, Sara Hill and Thomas (Erika) Hill, and 9 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Munson Hospice for their compassionate end of life care, to Ford Lentz for his many years of kind and devoted care for Chuck, and to family members, especially Kim Hill, for helping in times of need.
Arrangements are being made by Reynolds Jonkhoff. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Munson Hospice or to 384th Bomb Group Museum Fund care of Ray Lutig, Treasurer 384th BG INC 128 Ulster Avenue, Walden, NY 12586
