Charles Norman Wedde

Charles N. Wedde, 72, of St. Joseph, MI, died at his home on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 11:00a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Market St., St. Joseph, MI, with Rev. Thomas Batsky officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 4:00-8:00p.m., at the Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, and also at the church from 10:00a.m. until time of service on Wednesday morning. Following cremation, his final resting place will be at Lincoln Township Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation, or to the Trinity Lutheran School Scholarship Fund. Friends wishing to sign the family guestbook, or to leave a message of condolence, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Chuck, as he was known by all, was born June 19, 1933, in St. Joseph, MI, to Harry and Anna (Mesecke) Wedde. He married the former Irma Stenske on December 26, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. Chuck retired from Ryder Truck Rental in 1984 where he worked as Safety Manager. Although he was disabled with severe arthritis, he kept busy volunteering his time and talents. He volunteered at Lakeland Hospital where he became a member of the 20 year Club and had over 4500 hours of volunteer service. He also volunteered at Trinity Lutheran Church in various capacities and was on the Executive Board of the North Berrien Branch of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, currently serving as Vice President. He was a Life Member of the Baroda Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from Lions Club International. He was a Korean War veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 568 in Stevensville. He was also proud of the recognition he received in the Guiness Book of Records for having 12 out of 12 major joints replaced (plus several minor joints were also replaced) during his many surgeries. Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and great grandchild. He is survived by his wife, Irma; daughter, Ruth (Garland) Ellison; son, Mark (Judy) Wedde; daughter, Paula (John) Jakubs; daughter-in-law, Deborah Wedde; grandchildren Josh, Andy, Marko, Steve and Matt Wedde, and Chuck, Rachel and Ben Jakubs; and great grandson, Dylan Wedde; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, David; his parents, Harry and Anna Wedde; sister, Betty Eisenhart; and a brother, Donald Wedde.