Allen Chase

One thing is certain - no one will ever fill the shoes or compare to the heart of Al Chase. A strong willed man who could often be a tad stubborn, he was without doubt a loving husband, father, grandfather and a dedicated friend. With determination and smarts, Al was a jack of all trades, and master of many. Vibrant and fun loving, he treasured much in life, and lived it fully. He will be sadly missed and remembered in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

As the 1930s drew to a close, Americans were beginning to hope again as the U.S. slowly emerged from the Great Depression. As World War II loomed across the nation, many looked toward a bright future. “God Bless America” was introduced in 1939, and moviegoers enjoyed “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and “Gone With the Wind”. Louis A. and Helen (Klonis) Chase of Grand Rapids, Michigan were especially hopeful when on August 7, 1939 they lovingly welcomed Allen Louis into their arms. Allen grew up in the family home on Quarry NW with his sister Sharon, and shared many childhood adventures with friends.

Al’s father was a tool and die maker while his mother worked at the Rose Patch & Label Company. With strong Lithuanian roots, their family was devout in their faith and were members of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church where Al attended school. Learning well from his father, Al loved to hunt and fish, a passion he continued to enjoy his whole life through. He always looked forward to the summers at Wolf Lake enjoying camping in their trailer. Even to this day, a fourth generation of the Chase family continues to enjoy the same spot at Wolf Lake.

After the eighth grade, Al went to Catholic Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1957. He spent two years with the U.S. Marines before being discharged in 1963 and began taking classes at Grand Rapids Junior College. Although he would go on to earn his Business Degree from Michigan State University, it was while attending junior college that Al’s life moved in a new direction. He was attending a party and met a beautiful young woman named Carol Fulkerson. Quite smitten, the two began dating and six months later happily announced their engagement. They were blessed in marriage on October 28, 1961 at Carol’s home parish, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. They celebrated with family and friends at St. Georges Hall, spending a memorable honeymoon in Chicago, Illinois.

Al and Carol lived in an apartment on Valley Street NW for three years. They then lived with Al’s mother for two years before purchasing a house on Pohens Street. A move to Elderwood Court found them lovingly raising their family, and where they continued to share the rest of their days together. With three wonderful children, Al and Carol were delighted with the births of Gail, David and Mark. Carrying on the tradition, they enjoyed special times during fun filled summers at Wolf Lake. Easter holidays were spent visiting Allen’s family in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Cherished memories were truly enjoyed on a family trip to Florida visiting Disney World. For their 25th wedding anniversary, Al and Carol relished a wonderful trip together in Hawaii.

Al enjoyed a fruitful career working with Dow Chemical as a sales representative. After suffering a stroke at the age of 49, he was forced to retire after 22 ½ years with the company. Following his recovery, he tried his hand at real estate before finally retiring for health reasons five years later. There wasn’t much that could keep Al down though. Known as “Big Al” by many of his friends and family, he was a jack of all trades and a master of many. If Al didn’t know something, he would quickly learn and do it himself. Whether it was carpentry work, electrical or plumbing, once his mind was made up, he always tried and easily accomplished what he set out to do with expertise. With an appreciation for roses, Al loved tending to the gardens around his home. A true Rosarian, he cared for and pampered 35 rose bushes and won many awards for his beautiful cultivations and plentiful varieties.

With his lifelong love of fishing, Allen tied his own flies and made his own lures. He found great joy being on the big lake fishing on his baby, “Prime Time”, and later, “Prime Time II”. He was an avid golfer, and spent enjoyable time water skiing and snow skiing with his family. Hunting remained a part of his life and every year he went hunting for duck, small game, deer and more, just as long as he could enjoy the outdoors while doing so. Al was always on the move and enjoyed a variety of interests. He was constantly puttering , planning or scheming for his next adventure. His heart was gold when it came to friends. Although a big man, Al could seem pretty intimidating at first, but was always willing to lend a helpful hand. He loved a good joke, especially slapstick comedy. The Three Stooges, and the movies Airplane and Naked Gun were among his favorites.

Although not much of a cook himself, Al loved eating almost everything. He had quite a sweet tooth, which the grandchildren enjoyed, and often squirreled away candy, especially chocolate. Just a big kid at heart, Al loved being surrounded by his grandkids whenever he could. Throughout the years he had become quite a mentor to his children and their friends, and was there for his grandchildren as well. He always had an answer or explanation for everything.

Over the years, Al had suffered multiple strokes which resulted in him being placed in Heartland of Greenview in December of 2004. For such a vibrantly active man, Al‘s physical disabilities were not only hard on him, but for his entire family. They made sure they took him to the cottage on Wolf Lake for boat rides, and helped him attend family events when he was up to it. At the age of 70, Allen Louis Chase passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, March 11, 2010. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Surviving Al is his wife of 48 years, Carol L. Chase; his children: Gail and Don Levens, Mark and Kim Chase, David and Adrienne Chase; grandchildren: Kendall, Andrew and Garrett Levens, Carson and Zachary Chase; his sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Michael Koskus; nieces, nephews and friends.

The Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 15, 2010, 10:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 2510 Richmond NW. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and again at the church on Monday from 9:00 AM until the Mass begins. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Stroke Program at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory, photo or sign his online register book.