Charles Kreps

Charles E. Kreps, also known as Chuck, Charlie, and Chuckles, and Grandpa and Fudd by his grandchildren, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 12, 2013. He had been at the Lutheran Home since January. Born May 27, 1929 in Toledo OH, to Chester and Glady (Harwick) Kreps, Chuck graduated from Dundee High School in 1947, where he was the class vice-president. He met Shirley Harris at a skating rink in 1948 and literally fell at her feet! They married on September 8, 1950. They were members of Zion UM Church, where Chuck attended from birth until 1983. Chuck accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 13. He was a church treasurer for many years. In 1983, Chuck became a member of Stewart Road Church of God where he served on the pastor’s council, and building committee. Chuck also was a Sunday school teacher at Zion and Stewart Road endearing himself to students of all ages. He continued to enjoy his students after they graduated from his class and his students have continued to be inspired by Chuck throughout the years. Early in his career, Chuck worked as a milkman for Hoffman and Babcock Dairys. He went on to pursue his love of building and working with people as a window salesman for Pella Detroit, and Vicon Supply Company where he retired in 1993. After retirement, Pella recruited Chuck to work part time in management and sales which he did until 2003. Chuck was a thriving contributing member of the Home Builders Association of Monroe County and, after retirement, was also an honorary member. He was often asked to lead the invocations for the group. Chuck volunteered at the Monroe Senior Center where he was always teasing and having fun with the members. He also read to students at Custer Elementary and helped with the Bedford election board. Chuck was best known for his teasing and laughter. All who knew Chuck loved him and would always comment that he was their favorite. His love for Jesus, his wife and best friend Shirley, and his family best describes the legacy of Charles E. Kreps. He will be missed but not forgotten. He has profoundly touched our lives and his greatest hope is to someday see all of us in heaven. He will be greatly missed on this earth by his family: Shirley (Harris) of 62 years, a son Gregory (Sandy) Kreps of LaSalle, MI, three daughters, Susan (Terry) Clark of LaSalle, MI, Barbara (Steve) Fischer of Temperance, MI and Karen (Robert) Bowman of LaSalle, MI. 10 grandchildren; Heather, Ryan, Sarah, Joel, Eric, Kelli, Kathryn, Benjamin, Nicholas and Molly. 4 great grandchildren; Parker, Paxton, Delaney and Brady. Two brothers, Lee (Jane) Kreps of Ida, MI and Roger (Marge) of Monroe, MI. One sister, Shirley (Jerry) Anteau of Monroe, MI. A sister and brother-in-law Pearl and Melvin Harris of Brooklyn, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe. On Tuesday, April 16, 2013 he will lie in state at Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center from 10:00 am until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Joseph Byrd, pastor of the church, will officiate. Private interment services will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. In remembrance of Chuck’s life, memorial contributions can be made to the Kitchen Project at Stewart Road Church of God.