Charles F. Von Hohenstein

Although his life was filled with numerous experiences that enriched his journey, there was nothing that was more precious to Charles Von Hohenstein than sharing his days with the ones he loved most. He was a lifelong resident of the Muskegon community, and with his warm, approachable, and genuine demeanor he was the sort of person whom everyone wanted to know. Charles served his country during a time of need, and in everything he did he was a man of integrity and honor whose first thought was of others. He took his role as a father to heart, but he just may have argued that there was no greater gift than becoming a grandfather to four amazing grandchildren. A blessing to everyone he met, Charles will be forever remembered by all who were within his reach. During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on throughout Europe and much of the Pacific. Countless young servicemen and women were serving while those who remained stateside dealt with rationing on common goods like rubber, tin, paper, and sugar. Victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nations food supply, and manufacturing was focused on supporting the war effort. It was during this eventful time that Fredrick and Genevieve (Picard) Von Hohenstein were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as fall began to cover the city of Muskegon, Michigan, in its glorious splendor in 1942. The big day finally arrived on September 19th when the baby boy they named Charles F. drew his first breath. He was one of two children in his family and was raised in the family home on Leonard Street in Muskegon alongside his sister, Carole. His father worked as a power house operator at Campbell, Wyant & Cannon in Muskegon Heights while his mother was a dedicated homemaker. In many ways Charles experienced a typical upbringing. He gained an appreciation for the outdoors at a young age as he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and later in life Sherman Moore would became his longtime hunting buddy. After purchasing an acre plot in Manistee, they could often be found hunting and fishing up there. Fishing and hunting were his primary interests throughout his entire life. Charles was also good friends with Jack Berg while growing up. As a student he attended Froebel Elementary and Jr. High through the eighth grade, although he did earn his GED later in life while in the service. Since school wasnt really his cup of tea, Charles often ditched class. To avoid getting caught he stuffed cotton balls in the home phone ringer! He came to own one of the first Cushman motor scooters around, but he was willing to work hard on a nearby celery farm to earn the money he needed as a teen. After getting permission from his father, Charles joined the Navy as a young man of 17. He served aboard the destroyer the USS Dupont, spending much time in the Mediterranean Sea during the Vietnam War. Charles was also at the Bay of Pigs invasion. With his military duties fulfilled after nearly four years, Charles returned home to Muskegon and soon purchased one of the first Mustangs in town, a 1964 1/2 midnight blue convertible from Fred Knack Ford. It was also during this time that Charles met the young girl who would change his life forever. Her name was Margaret McGrane, and they met at an Army dance at the Muskegon Armory. After falling deeply in love, they were married on May 1, 1965. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Charles in 1974 and Jennifer in 1978. The family home was on Woodcrest Street in Egelston Township, which was the place that Charles called home for the rest of his life. To support his family he worked at S.D. Warren Paper Company, starting out as a trimmer and later becoming a shipping supervisor. Charles spent 31 years there before retiring in 1996. First and foremost in Charles life was his family. Together they took annual vacations with their trips to Disney World, Washington, D.C., and Spain being among their favorites. As a parent Charles was firm but fair, loving, generous, and caring as well as his childrens constant supporter and encourager. He even took in his sons friend during a time of need. Both in word and in deed, Charles taught his children to be responsible and the value of hard work. The family had hunting dogs including their Bluetick, Freckles. Over the years they also had some cats at times. Later in life Charles was thrilled beyond measure to become a grandfather. He was always there to attend all of his grandchildrens school events and parties as well as their sporting events. In addition, Charles was good to his nieces and nephews. Charles had fun with his grandchildren no matter what they were doing, and they especially loved going for rides on the tractor. A social and outgoing man with numerous friends, Charles was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Muskegon Heights and American Legion #9. With unending love for his family, Charles Von Hohenstein was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was never one to worry about building wealth or gaining the praise of others, rather, his focus was on blessing people in ways both great and small. A man who was content in all things, Charles lived every day to the fullest, embracing both the peaks and the valleys of his lifes journey. He will never be forgotten. Charles Von Hohenstein died on Thursday, March 5, 2015. Charles is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Charles (Nikki) Von Hohenstein of Muskegon; daughter, Jennifer (Duane) Riggs of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Dakota Deater, Trevor Riggs, Ethan Riggs, Evan Von Hohenstein of Muskegon; sister, Carole Garvey of Muskegon. Charles was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Pastor Bruce Ballast officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2015, 5:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Alzheimers Association. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Arrangements provided by Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon