Charles D. Alanko, age 92, of Gladstone passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Charles was born September 13, 1931, in Rock, Mich., the son of Charles and Maida (Hoppe) Alanko. Charles met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Tardiff, in Gladstone, and they were united in marriage on November 20, 1954. Together, they shared 65 years of wonderful memories. He served his country in the United States Army from August 13, 1952 to August 13, 1954. He worked for the Mead Paper Company for 37 years operating heavy equipment in the woodyard, retiring in 1993. Charles enjoyed spending time at his camp in Rock, which bordered the property he was raised on. Charles shot his last buck at the age of 91. Charles also enjoyed working in the woods, cutting firewood, and playing golf. Most days you would find him and Mary on the golf course until his eyesight prevented him from joining her.
Charles is survived by his sons, Scott (Geri) Alanko and Tracy Alanko; his daughters Lynn (Mike) Reese, Kathy Macki, Michelle (Rick) Hansen and Cindy (Dave) Anderson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Lenards, Heather (Mike) Smith, April (Tom) Dahlin, Scott (Jaimie) Reese, Ann (Shayne) Sanville, Jeremy (Anne) Shope, Joshua (Kaitlyn) Shope, Jeff (Susana) Niles, Nicole (Christian) Schweitzer, Ryan (Arlene) Padilla, Erin (Tiyler Messer) Padilla, Rachelle (Adam) Esquibel, Jessica Mackie, Kathleen (A.J.) Stebbins, Donnie Alanko, and Tracy Alanko; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild on the way; sister, Mary Lou Armstrong and numberous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brother-in-law Robert (Maureen) Tardiff and sisters-in-law Joanne (John) Tardiff and Barb (Fred) Pfeister.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen, his parents, his sister, Mildred (Robert) Korstange and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 1, from 2:00 to 3:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at 3:45 PM by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM. A luncheon will be served at the Gladstone American Legion. Charles will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
Dwight Seger - Leesburg , Fl
Charly, he was a great friend and co-worker. I really had a great time when ever we would see each other. My condolences to all your family Charly. He was the greatest ❤️
Dwight Seger
Al Bizeau - Gladstone, MI
I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the conversations your dad and I had. I know in the last couple years we didn’t getting to speak to each other as much because of Covid and I didn’t see your dad in his yard as much. Your dad was a good guy.
Kathy Maynard - Gladstone, MI
Kathy and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your dad rest in peace.
Kathy and Gary Maynard
Robin Seymour - Rapid River , MI
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this!! I recently met Charles and loved our visits. My sincere condolences to Kathy and the family.
Beth Carlson - Escanaba , MI
My Deepest Sympathy and Prayers of Comfort to Kathy and ALL her Family.
Dave Strom - GLADSTONE, MI
My condolences to the entire Alanko family. Your dad was a wonderful man. He was such a great neighbor to my grandparents, and later, to me. Charlie, and Mary were a great couple, that raised a great family. Rest in peace.
Todd Maki - Escanaba, mi
I’m very sorry to hear of your dads passing. Your parents were such great people, I will miss them. We were very fortunate to grow
up in the extended family we had. We all were so blessed to have your dad and mom in our lives. You all can be proud of how you cared for your mom and dad as they got older. I’m sorry i won’t be able attend the funeral as we are in Texas now. Uncle Charlie was so funny and i enjoyed him so much. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jan Mott - Bark River , MI
Sending Prayers and Love. Truly enjoyed working on the same crew and admired Charles great work ethic. May Charles Rest In God’s Eternal Peace❤️
Sandy Thompson - Rapid River, MI
Charlie & Sandy Thompson. So sorry for your loss, I hear Heaven is a wonderful place. He will be reunited with the love of his life. Prayers for all.
Steve Gauthier - Gladstone , Mi
So sorry to hear about Charlie passing. Had a lot of fun working and talking with him in the Woodward & golfcourse. You are in our prayers.
Jackie (LaFond) Mott - Orange Park, FL
Condolences to the entire Alanko. I grew up with them. Great family. May Charles rest in peace.
Prayers for the family.