WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Charles P. VanBelleghem, 68, of Lawton, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013.
He was born Aug. 29, 1944 in South Bend, Ind. to the late Charles A. and Rose Mary (Nagy) VanBelleghem. He graduated in 1962 from Washington Clay High School, South Bend, received his Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University in 1966 and his Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend. He taught English and Journalism at Bremen High School.
On Aug. 21, 1971, he married Elaine Bliss and moved to Chicago. They relocated to Lawton in 1973. He worked for American Motors in South Bend, Ind. and General Motors, Hydramatic, and American Axle in Three Rivers. After retirement, he joined the Van Buren County Red Cross Disaster Team, worked at a Katrina volunteer camp in Lizanna, Miss. and was active in his church, St. Margaret Mary in Marcellus. Charles loved traveling and visited 47 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. He and his wife Elaine loved traveling together in their 5th wheel, following birding trails.
Surviving are his wife, Elaine; daughter, Dana; sister, Renee (Jensen); brother, Gary. Charles was a loving husband, father, and brother. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 in the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home, Marcellus.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at St. John Bosco Church, Mattawan with Father Robert Creagan officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Heart Association or Michigan Audubon Society.
