Charles Bergbower

Charles Arthur Bergbower was a vigorous manworking hard and playing even harder. His jobs provided security, and indoor and outdoor sports were part of his lifestyle. He prevailed over the challenges of life and loss, impacting his family and friends with courage and encouragement. Charles story began in 1943 when World War II was dominating American life. As men went off to war and women were drawn into the workplace, the nation pulled together to make life as good as possible for the next generation. For Eugene and Helen (Schneider) Bergbower of Detroit, Michigan, the joy of family life increased when Charles, known as Charlie or Chuck to family and friends, was born on September 14, 1943. Charles father worked at GTE telephone company while his mother had her hands full with three boys at home: Robert, James and Charles. The family moved to the Muskegon area when Chuck was young, and when he was 13, tragedy struck the family. Chucks brother Jim was killed in a car accidenta devastating loss for any young teen. Sports was a welcome activity for Chuck, and he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Attending Catholic grade schools and then Muskegon Catholic Central High School, Chuck was talented enough to attract college scouts. He was offered a scholarship to Notre Dame, but even though it never materialized, Chuck maintained his enthusiasm for all sports well into his adult years. During high school, Chuck dated Joan Humphreys, but they never got very serious until years later. After graduation, Chuck joined the US Air Force and was assigned to administrative duties, working as a clerk during the Vietnam War. While on leave in Hawaii, he was hit by a car at a bus stop and badly injured. He spent six months recovering and had to learn to walk all over again. During his rehabilitation, Chuck began to write Joan, claiming that because she was in nurses training, he needed a nurse to take care of him. Over those long months, their relationship grew, and Chuck and Joan were married on April 24, 1965. Soon enough, the two of them were off to Germany, where Chuck spent the remainder of his Air Force commitment. Upon returning home, the couple settled in Muskegon and eventually moved into the Gardner subdivision on the citys east side. Chuck found work as a postal carrier for the US Post Office, a job he retained for the next 35 years. In 1968, Chuck and Joan began their family with the birth of son James and daughter Karen in 1970. The rigors of family life were balanced with sport and recreation. The family took summer trips in their RV, vacationing in Florida to visit Joans parents or camping closer to home along the Platte River. Chuck liked brook trout fishing and also boating on Lake Michigan for salmon and white fish. Continuing with his love of sports, he became an official for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Chuck refereed football, basketball, softball and volleyball, even some of his daughters basketball games. However, family life changed when his marriage ended in 1987. Chuck soon met Jo Anne Hoffman-Morse at a fish fry at the Muskegon Eagles club, and the two began dating. Before long they were in love and decided to marry in Las Vegas on November 10, 1988. He moved into her home in Muskegon Township and became part of the family of her two daughters. Interestingly, Chuck and Jo were both referees for MHSAA and remained active for 20-plus years. They also bowled on leagues and enjoyed trips to Reno Nevada for bowling tournaments. They made regular visits to nearby Michigan casinos and thoroughly enjoyed an amazing cruise to Alaska. Around the house, Chuck was in his element when he was tending his yard. He grew beautiful flowers year by year, liked feeding the birds and readily launched into landscaping projects that most homeowners leave to professionals. He had no fear of climbing, and as a side job, he did tree trimming for friends. Most notable was the work he did after a major straight line wind storm that blew through Muskegon. There was Chuck, out on a limb, trimming branch after branch. When he retired from the North Muskegon post office branch in 1998, Chuck continued to work at various jobs through Manpower temporary services. He eventually went full time as a Brake Press operator for Harbor Steel in Spring Lake, Michigan. He put in his last day of work in 2009. Chuck has weathered heart problems, sufferering a heart attack in 1992 and bypass surgery in 1994. He had recovered well, in part because he had given up alcohol for the past 20 years. So his death at age 69 came unexpectedly when Chuck died at home on Sunday, February 3, 2013. He will be mourned and missed by his family and friends, who remember him as a vibrant person and avid sportsman. Mr. Charles A. Bergbower is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jo; son, James (Kim) Bergbower of Grandville; daughters, Karen (Bill) Cuellar of Howell, Leigh (Lare) Williams of Muskegon, Teri Bergbower of Muskegon; 9 grandchildren; brother, Robert (Barb) Bergbower; brother-in-law, Doug (Lisa) Hoffman; sister-in-law, Terri (Mike) Hoffman-Forward. He was preceded in death by his brother, James. A service to celebrate Chucks life will take place Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM, and visitation is 1 hour prior to the service at Laketon Bethel Reformed Church with Jan Reahm officiating. Memorial contributions may be sent in Chucks honor to Muskegon Vietnam Veterans of America. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.