Charles Nolke

Charles "Chuck" Nolke, age 74, of Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2016 at his home with his loving family by his side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, July 3, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, with Reverend Ricky Evans officiating. Memorials may be made to Hospice At Home, 1234 Napier Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to sign Chuck's online guestbook may do so at www.clarkch.com. Chuck was born to John & Donnabelle (Boyer) Nolke on February 7, 1942 in Mishawaka, IN. Chuck graduated with the class of 1957 from Dowagiac Central High School. On February 18, 1975 he married the former Sylvia Zablocki in Dowagiac, MI. Together they raised a blended family of eleven children with the love and support of his sister, Sandra (Tony) Caruso of Texas. Chuck was a millwright for many years working in the Bahamas and at nuclear power plants in the United States. He had an avid passion for the sport of wrestling. Chuck won the state title in his senior year of high school and later was assistant freestyle wrestling coach in Decatur for four years. His passion for wrestling was matched only by his devotion of teaching the sport to the young. Chuck was a cattle farmer and very involved with 4H and introducing agriculture to the children around him, often taking farm animals to the Kincheloe Elementary School. Chuck's favorite role was being called Dad or Papa. His love for his family was demonstrated on June 5, 2016, when he was transported by ambulance to see his youngest son graduate from Dowagiac Union High. He will be greatly missed. Chuck leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Sylvia; his children, Tammy (Robert Lohr) Carlton of Summerfield, FL, Shawn (Lisa) Nolke of Elkhart, IN, John (Michelle) Nolke of Ansbach, Germany, Ira Franklin of Decatur, MI, Michael (Melissa) Franklin of Dowagiac, MI, Melissa (Steve) Tortorelli of Decatur, MI, Kim (Peter) Janssen of Dowagiac, MI, Jacob Nolke, Chucky Nolke, Patricia Nolke and Tara Nolke, all of Dowagiac; twenty-six grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two great-granddaughters.