Charles Klungle Jr.

When reflecting on the life of Charles Klungle, it is easy to see that he had a certain sparkle about him that made him truly extraordinary. He wasn’t afraid to do things his way, and everything seemed to be more fun when he was around. Chuck’s greatest joy was found in his family, and there was nothing that made him more proud than witnessing his family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild he adored. A man of faith, he faced whatever came his way with strength and courage that were truly unmatched. Although he will be deeply missed, Chuck leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will continue to carry on in his footsteps.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. With innovation as the wind in our sails, we welcomed advancements such as refrigerators and washing machines, radios and cars that were widely mass produced on assembly lines all across the nation. It was in 1919 that Charles Klungle was born on October 18th. He experienced a fairly typical childhood spent playing baseball, attending school, and working, which was commonplace for young people then. With his older brothers he substituted as the horse to pull the construction car to the job sites. As a teen Chuck liked cars, and he attended school through the 11th grade. He did later earn his high school diploma after serving in WWII at Grand Rapids Junior College where he also took advanced courses in mechanics.

Even while growing up Chuck wasn’t afraid to do things his own way. When he went in to get his driver’s license there was a bit of a mix up as the handwriting on his birth certificate was hard to decipher. As a result, it was interpreted that Chuck was born in 1917 rather than 1919, making him two years older. Of course, he used those extra two years to his advantage for him and his friends when he turned 19! Even when he met his wife, he remained tightlipped about his actual age, and she thought he was only two years younger rather than four. It wasn’t until he was drafted by the Navy in 1944 that the error was corrected!

It was a great day when Chuck met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Grace Alferink, and they met through a cousin, Gert Bommers, on a double date. It didn’t take them long to fall in love, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Chuck and Grace were married on September 6, 1940. Together they welcomed four children including Charles, Roger, James, and Mark into their hearts and home. They always had a couple of additional family members in the form of a cat and a dog as well. Chuck worked hard to support his family, retiring from Magna Donnelly Corporation as a supervisor of the tool room. Second only to his faith was the love that Chuck had for his family. He was filled with unspeakable joy as his family later grew to include nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Throughout his life Chuck was a man of many interests. He enjoyed being outdoors with fishing being his favorite outdoor activity. Chuck’s best camping spot was Otsego Lake, and several vacations were taken there with family. Hunting, square dancing, and golfing were also favorite pastimes. For as long as he was able, Chuck liked traveling, especially to Florida and Arizona. When it came to family he looked forward to the Christmas Eve Klungle party as well as their family reunions at Tunnel Park each summer. For years Chuck was a member of New Community-Fourth Reformed Church where he served as an elder, a deacon, and as a member of the men’s chorus. In addition, he was a member of the Holland Rifle Club. Around home he was a fan of the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Tigers, and the Holland Flying Dutchmen and could often be found watching a game on television. Chuck also enjoyed shows like What’s My Line, To Tell the Truth, I Love Lucy, Bob Hope, All in the Family, Red Skelton, and Ed Sullivan. He took great pride in greeting future President Ronald Reagan at the GE plant in Holland in 1960, which warranted a picture in the paper.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Charles Klungle, Jr. was a blessing to everyone he met. He was upbeat and deeply devoted to his family, and whatever he did he gave it his whole heart. Life will never be the same without Chuck here, but his loved ones will forever hold his memory near and dear to their heart.

Charles Klungle Jr., of Holland, died Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Holland Hospital. Chuck’s family includes his children: Charlie Klungle of Holland, Roger and Donna Klungle of Troy, James and Janice Klungle of Wilmington, N.C. and Mark Klungle of Saugatuck; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one great great grandson; sisters: Eleanor and George Moes of Holland and Ila Schutt of Holland; sister-in-law: Ruth Klungle of Holland; nieces, nephews and cousins.Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Grace (Alferink) Klungle in 2003; brothers Nick, Leonard, Jake, John and Nelson Klungle; and sisters, Janet Geertman and Sue Myrick. A funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, 2016, at New Community – Fourth Reformed Church, 238 West 15th Street in Holland. Rev. Dr. Jonathan Brownson will be officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Evergreen Commons. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel.