Charles Ellsworth Warkentien

Charles Ellsworth Warkentien, 77, of Hartford Township passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.

Charles, or “Chuck” or “Charlie” as he was known by most, was born April 1, 1939, in Star City, Ind., the son of Irvin and Annabelle (Phillips) Warkentien, both of whom preceded him in passing.

Charles was a 1958 graduate of Decatur High School, where he played basketball and the drums in the school marching band. He was formerly employed with C.L. Wolf and Sons for 12 years from 1959-71, with Whirlpool Corp. for a number of years and owned and operated Rush Lake Mobile Home Park since 1971. He was among the first people to help paint the Mackinaw Bridge. In his spare time, he loved polka music and entertaining family and friends on his pontoon. He was much loved and will be forever in our hearts.

Charles married the former Paula Booth on March 20, 1996, she survives; along with his daughter, Kimberly Batey of Coloma; grandchildren: Ryan, Adam, Jordan and Noah; three stepsons: Wendell Hill, Patrick (Kara) Hill and Steven Hill; stepgrandchildren: LeAnne (David) Demski, Christopher Hill, Ava Grace and Christin Hill; special stepgrandchild, P.J. Hill; stepgreat-grandchildren: Emilee, Jenna, Megan and Jacob Demski and Hunter Hill; two brothers, Larry (Arlene) Warkentien and Carl (Kathy) Warkentien; and a sister, Mary (Hal) Stofer.

The family will welcome friends from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where the service to honor his memory will commence at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Lonnie Truelove officiating. After the service, he will be cremated. Memorial donations in Charles' name may be left to Caring Circle. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.