Gail Frances Charles

MARENISCO, Mich. - Gail Frances Charles, 74, of Marenisco, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, after a yearlong, courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on Nov. 25, 1938, in Wakefield, the daughter of Peter H. and Mildred F. (Running) Eschenbauch. Gail graduated from Wakefield High School with the class of 1956.

On Sept. 29, 1956, she was united in marriage to Earl "Bud" Charles in Wakefield. They made their home in Marenisco since that time.

Gail was a prayerful member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Marenisco, where she faithfully served as an organist for more than 40 years.

She was employed at the Job Corps in Marenisco for a short time, before moving on to work for the Ottawa National Forest Service out of the Ironwood office. Gail retired in April 2007, after 37 years of exemplary service. She was elected many times to the Marenisco School Board, serving as board president for several terms.

Gail was a die-hard Packers fan, even taking branches off the Christmas tree so she could watch the games from her "lucky" seat. She loved the Christmas holiday and always spoiled her kids rotten during that time of year. Gail enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune every evening.

She was an avid bowler in women's and mixed leagues and participated in tournaments throughout the Midwest for many years. Gail was the secretary of the Wisco-Mich Women's Bowling Association for nearly 20 years.

Gail is survived by her loving husband, Bud, of 57 years; four children, Randy Charles, Ron (Dani) Charles and Micki (Craig) Sorensen, all of Marenisco, and Nancy (Mike) Jager, Allendale; five grandchildren, Michelle and Cassandra Vugrinec, DeAnna (Pat) Godeck and CJ and Kyle Sorensen; five great-grandchildren, Justice Nations, Aspen and Wesley Allred, Blaine Richards and Brooks Godeck; her beloved pets, KoKo and Abbey; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Millie; a grandson, Thomas V.H. Vugrinec, on July 8, 2004; and a brother, Peter "Pat" Eschenbauch, on July 31, 2008.

Friends may call at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield on Thursday, Nov. 7, beginning at 5 p.m.

Visitation will continue on Friday, Nov. 8, from 9 to 10 a.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marenisco, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Jeff Shearier officiating.

Interment will take place in Marenisco Cemetery.

Luncheon will be served at the Marenisco Town Hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Pat LaRock, Dan "Jay" Ryskey, Joe DelFavero, Don Luoma, Ken Alden and Randy Huybrecht.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.