Charles Jeltema

Chuck Jeltema loved his family, cherished every moment with loved ones, and was devoted to his faith. He was a doer and liked to work with his hands, but there was nothing Chuck loved to do more than help others in whatever way he could.

Months after Pluto was discovered, Gerrit and Nettie Jeltema welcomed Chuck,into the world on October 20th, 1930. Chuck's first home was on Cedar Street in Grand Rapids, but the family quickly re-located to 815 Jennette Ave.

There were four children in the family, of whom, Chuck was the oldest, but his parents soon took in Bob Bruner, their nephew, who was five years older than Chuck, and Bob became a brother, not a cousin, to Chuck. Bob took Chuck and his other brothers to farms to help in the fields, though farmwork was balanced with plenty of visits to the beach. Life was good, many adventures were had, and freedom was endless as long as everyone was home by the time the street lights turned on.

The Jeltema family were proud members of the Alpine Avenue Christian Reformed Church. The Christian faith was instilled into each of the children when they were young, and Chuck would have his faith to foster and strengthen his connection with God for his entire life. Chuck was recognized as a good kid. He enrolled in West Side Christian School, and his class consisted of a whopping ten kids, nine boys and one girl. The friendships formed in these years between the boys were retained for their lifetimes.

Chuck's reputation for being a good kid was never questioned but certainly was tested in his high school days at Union, as he and his buddies came into age and found mischief wherever they could. After graduation, they drove all the way to New York just to see it, play golf, and have a beer. Chuck's uncle, who was in the business of housing construction, offered Chuck a job, and they worked together for sometime. All the while, Chuck went through the hoops and requirements to join the National Guard, and became a proud member.

One day, Chuck was cruising by in his car when he saw Shirley Olson. She was waiting for the bus with her friends to go skating at Ramona Park. The opportunist in Chuck had him pull over and offer them a ride. From their conversation, Chuck felt something between him and Shirley, and he wanted to spend more time with her. Shirley saw his wonderful smile and felt the same. They dated for some time. They knew how to have fun together. Already they saw their connection was pure and lasting, so when Chuck asked Shirley to marry him, she said yes. June 6th, 1952 the ceremony was performed in the church Chuck had grown up in, and the two drove to Niagara falls for a lovely honeymoon.

They first made their home in the apartment on Crosby where they had their first child, Charles Jr. "little Chuck." As the couple continued to work and make financial progress, they moved onto 11th street, and finally into a house on 1043 Fremont Street where they were happy to make their long term home. They welcomed three more children into their lives: Shari, Nancy, and Sandi.

Chuck enjoyed working construction, and he liked working with his uncle, but after a few years, the industry slowed down, so Chuck pivoted and found work at Consumers Energy. He learned how to be a lineman and was quickly part of a six man crew. They constructed and installed new power lines and repaired lines in need of maintenance. Chuck was fearless at any height, in any weather. Scaling fifty-foot tall utility poles was mere routine. When storms came, especially big ones, Chuck wouldn't be seen at home for days, as he was deployed throughout the state until the power systems were restored. Eventually, Chuck settled down in Consumers' customer service department, and he would go on to work for them for over forty years.

Chuck was the epitome of a wonderful father. He cared deeply for all his children, and he was never shy to let them know it. He knew how to appropriately discipline, only going so far as to instill the lesson. He had a gentle and subtle way of instilling morals and correcting misbehaviors. Both he and Shirley had a keen eye for the unique spirits of each of their children. They embraced the diversity of interests and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. He savored participating in his kids' activities and helping them discover and polish their interests. Chuck welcomed and respected everyone's differences, and his children were instilled with the same regard.

As the kids got older and the task of parenting became less and less intensive, Chuck and Shirley moved to a house on Lake Michigan drive. They preferred to stay busy, liked having fun, and loved the company of others. Time with family and friends was always cherished, and many gatherings were hosted in their home—whichever house—over the years. He stayed close with his boyhood friends, the eight boys that comprised his elementary class, even vacationing together with them. Chuck delighted in being active within the church. He served as a deacon for many years, became an elder, taught Sunday School, and played as a pitcher on the church's softball team. He was also a tutor for Kids Hope.

Chuck was very handy and was always eager to tackle any task that might need his help. No one ever had to ask. When Chuck Jeltema saw a need, he was there with his trusty wood toolbox ready to jump on any project. Often he had a vegetable garden in the backyard, bringing him closer to the days of his youth, and he enjoyed taking the kids to farms after work when the fruit were ripe to pick and take home. He always took advantage of the elements. In the winter he would make an ice rink in the backyard.

He and Shirley inherited a cottage in Grand Haven which provided many memories for their children and grandchildren. Admittedly, Chuck wasn't one for being in the sun after work, but he was always there, never one to miss out on time with family. He enjoyed swimming, but relished in the shade of his umbrella. As the family expanded, their cottage became a revolving door during summer, hosting each of their children's households.

Chuck was adamant about creating unique memories for all the kids. He always made it clear he wanted to be involved. Some, he took fishing or golfing, others traveled with him on spring break to Florida. He chaperoned all the school events he could. Even when there wasn't anything for him to do, he found a way to help by providing rides to whatever was next. He knew how to be a fun grandpa. He loved to teach them things. They would make birdhouses together or jelly. Chuck liked whatever project the kids liked, but honestly he would've taken any excuse just to spend time with them.

In retirement, Chuck travelled with Shirley as much as they could. Together, they had many wonderful trips and adventures, taking in plenty of novel experiences. Around the year 2000, they bought and moved into a condo. He personally enjoyed golfing and fishing in a boat or over ice. He liked reading. He read a wide variety of material, but his favorite was history. Chuck had a quiet but present sense of humor. He had a spectacular singing voice, and when he sang, it brought warmth into the hearts of those who listened. Chuck's faith was a pillar of strength all his life. He strove to share his faith and spread the strength he garderned from it to all of his children and grandchildren.

Chuck built many things in his life, but surely the best thing he ever built, the most important thing, was his family. He is remembered for the kindness, compassion, and respect he treated everyone around him with, and for the memories he instilled in the hearts of those he loved and laughed with.

Charles “Chuck” Jeltema, age 92 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 25, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley; their children Charlie Jr. & Karla Jeltema, Shari & Jim Livingston, Nancy & Bob Clark, Sandi & Chris Elgersma-Waldron; grandchildren Monica Kennedy, Sam Jeltema, Ryan & Stephanie Warnock, Aaron Warnock, Lindsay & Daniel Winiarski, Ryan & Ashley Livingston, Alex & Jamie Livingston, Alyson Mabie, Maxwell & Autraa Mabie, Derek & Rachel Mabie, Mitchell McDonald, Ian & Allyson Elgersma; many great-grandchildren; sister, Marge Faber; brother, David & Sally Jeltema; as well as nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his brothers Bob Bruner and Ken Jeltema.

His funeral service will be held on Friday, July 28 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. Friends are invited to visit with his family beginning at 11 AM. Chuck’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Westend Christian Reformed Church to be used for the youth mission trip or Corewell Hospice are appreciated. To read more about Chuck, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com