Charles H. Benedict

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Charles Benedict was an honorable and hardworking man who lived fully in each day he was given while holding the ones he loved near and dear to his heart. Through the way he lived his life he was a role model for his children, inspiring them to work hard in everything they did, to think of others first, and to be patient and understanding. Blessed to find the love of his life, he and Margaret wrote a love story that spanned more than 74 years. Although Charles accomplished so much of which to be proud, it was the branches of loved ones on his family tree that were his greatest source of pride and joy. A friend to everyone he met, he leaves behind a deeply embedded footprint in the community he called home for the majority of his life.

At the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader and poised for greatness. With the eyes of the world focused on our shores, we did not disappoint as we led the way in innovation and technology that carried us into the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties. These were some of the most exciting years we have experienced as a nation as radios, washing machines and refrigerators, and motion pictures in both color and sound were just a few of the many noteworthy events. It was just prior to the dawn of this exciting decade that Nathan and Bertha (Weinert) Benedict were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the crispness of fall began to settle on the city of Scottville, Michigan, in 1919. The big day finally arrived on October 7th when the baby boy they named Charles Harry drew his first breath. He was the first of three children to be born to his parents, joined in his family by his younger brother, James, and his younger sister, Mary Jane.

In many ways Charles was a young boy of his generation. Being raised on the family farm in Custer during his earliest years meant that he was a typical farm boy who learned the value of hard work firsthand. Charles learned how to drive a team of horses alongside grandfather when he was just eight years old. While his father worked as a farmer, his mother was a busy homemaker. It was while living on the family farm that Charles established a friendship with Charles Goff who became lifelong friend.

As the crash of the stock market sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the deaths of the Great Depression in 1929, few American families were immune to the trials of the time, and the Benedict family was no exception. They lost the family farm, and as a result they came to Muskegon where Charles’ father took a position as a laborer at Sealed Power Corporation. The Benedicts eventually moved to Muskegon Heights where Charles attended local school through the tenth grade. As a family they enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing, and Charles later took up golfing. Charles also looked forward to holiday gatherings with extended family.

New and exciting changes were in store for Charles when he met the young woman who stole his heart. Her name was Margaret May Meurer, and they were introduced by her sister, Katherine. After getting to know each other for only a short time, Charles and Margaret found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on March 22, 1941.

As a young newlywed, Charles worked at Kaydon for a short time, but as our nation became involved in WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he became one of the young men sent overseas to fight for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today. As a soldier in Army, Charles was part of the two-day invasion into France. He was wounded in France just prior to the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Purple Heart in recognition of this great sacrifice.

With his military duties fulfilled, Charles returned home, and he and his wife set about raising their family that grew to include their son, James in 1942, daughter, Sandra in 1944, son, Jerry in 1946, and son, Bill in 1953. They eventually came to live in the Beechwood area of Muskegon, and as a skilled carpenter Charles built several homes. As a father he was a wonderful, caring, and patient man who was very much the leader of his family. To support his family Charles established and operated Norchak Supply Company and could be considered a workaholic and an amazing provider. As a family they enjoyed camping in the Upper Peninsula and Charles owned and operated a charter fishing boat at Grand Marais for several years.

Later in life Charles continued to make the most of the days he was given. He was an active part of his community including through his affiliation with the Muskegon Elks, Lincoln Golf Club, and Society of Abrasive Engineering. In addition to his friendship with Charles Goff, Charles was also great friends with Kim and Bill Plunkett, Bob Larkin, and Al Balkema. Charles was so proud of his family, especially his grandchildren whom he loved seeing as often as he could. After retiring in 1984, he and his wife traveled extensively in their motorhome and spent their winters in Bradenton, Florida.

An extraordinary man to know and love, Charles Benedict was a blessing to everyone he met. He was kind and thoughtful, strong and steadfast - the rock of his family. He was never one to worry about building wealth or gaining possessions, rather, his focus was on providing his family with a comfortable lifestyle. Charles was deeply devoted to the people and experiences he was passionate about, his life a reflection of what it means to be a man of courage, compassion, and selfless generosity. He will never be forgotten.