Charles Blodgett passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at his home. He will be remembered for his many volunteer hours painting for neighbors, friends, family, and at church. He was an active member of First Reformed Church in Holland.
Charlie was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and grew up on a farm near Curtiss, Wisconsin. After the death of his father when Charlie was ten, the family moved to Abbotsford, Wisconsin, and when Charlie was sixteen, he headed out to New Jersey with his brother to work at a dairy.
He served in the Army in 1946-47 as World War II ended and was stationed in Japan to help with post-war activities. After his time in the Army, he attended night school and got his high school diploma. He worked for Suburban Propane Gas Company for 35 years as a propane deliveryman while working as a house painter on the side. Charlie married Rachel in 1952 and raised two daughters, Cheryl and Sandy. They lived in New Jersey until 1986 when they moved to Zeeland to be close to grandchildren. Charlie continued to paint throughout the area, often volunteering at First Reformed, other local churches, Habitat for Humanity, and 360. For many years, he painted the outside trim on all of the condos in Maple Lake Condominiums, where he was one of the original owners.
Charlie is survived by his two daughters: Cheryl Van Oss (Richard) and Sandra Bader (Steven), his grandchildren: Jonathan Van Oss (Bethany), Katherine Van Oss (Brad Malat), Andrew Bader (Melissa), and Daniel Bader (Alyssa), his great-grandchildren: Finley, Jonah and August Bader, Lillian Bader, and Leon Malat, his sister: May Reasoner, and many nieces and nephews. He would especially like to thank his nephews:
Ralph Alexander (Bette), Alan Aitken, and Joe Blodgett (Kim) for all of their love, help, and support. Charlie is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Rachel, his parents, Joseph and Laura Blodgett, and seven brothers and sisters: Curtis Blodgett, Ilene Maki, Percy Blodgett, Phyllis Bowen, Wayne Blodgett, Hazel Smith, and Joe Blodgett.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 27, 2021, at First Reformed Church in Holland. Masks are required. The service will also be streamed through First Reformed Church’s website at https://app.omnia.church/channels/first-reformed-holland-live. Memorial contributions can be given to Hospice of Holland. Arrangements are made by Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.
Comments