Rapid River, MI
Charles O’Donnell, age 87, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully at Christian Park Village surrounded by his loving family.
Charles was born September 3, 1929, on Arranmore Island in Donegal County, Ireland, the son of Charles and Annie (Early) O’Donnell. As a young man he immigrated to the United States where he was promptly drafted by the United States Military on April 17, 1951. He served basic training in Fort Hood Texas then skipped to Germany where he served the remainder of his time. Charles was discharged November 23, 1956.
Upon leaving the military he became a journeyman electrician continuing to work in the electrical field over the next 40 years. Charles worked in most of the high rises in Chicago.
Charles and Margaret Gallagher were married in 1957 and together raised 4 children. Sadly, Margaret passed away in 1972.
In 1982, Charles and Patsy Goodman Douros were married and lived in Chicago until retiring to the Upper Peninsula in 1993. Charles loved the U.P. and always referred to it as “the old sod.”
Charles especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and he adored his great grandchildren.
Charles loved the outdoors and was fascinated and amused by all wildlife. He thought whole corn, sunflower seeds, bird seed, salt blocks, and potatoes for the deer were a must. He was always concerned about the animals making it through the winter. He loved gardening and keeping up the yard. The minute the grass grew beyond an inch, he was busy with the lawn mower “tidying up the yard.”
Among his wife, Patsy, he will be sadly missed by survivors:
2 Sons: Kevin and Charles O’Donnell
1 Daughter: Anne Salgado
1 Step Son: John (Lisa) Douros
1 Step Daughter: Evonne (Dennis) Waugh
6 Brothers: John O’Donnell
Jerry O’Donnell
Vincent (Theresa) O’Donnell
Frank O’Donnell
Bryan (Eileen) O’Donnell
Joe O’Donnell
2 Sisters: Mary Boyle
Nellie (Dan) O’Donnell
2 Brother In Laws: William (Bergit) Goodman
Paul (Marilyn) Goodman
Grandchildren: Jeffery, Michael, Christine, Matthew, Margaret, Evan
Great Grandchildren: Hailey, Tristen, Lily, Grace
And many nieces and nephews from Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Australia, and United States.
Charles’ family will receive friends on Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM proceeding from 11:45 AM will be the Rapid River American Legion Military Honors until 12:00 PM and the funeral service will follow at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone Michigan. Charles will be laid to rest at the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum in Wells, MI. A luncheon will follow services at the Covenant Church fellowship hall at 305 South 9th Street, in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the O’Donnell family.