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Charles G. Kline, age 94, of Three Rivers, passed away on May 27, 2013 at his home. A lifelong resident of Three Rivers, Charlie was born on April 6, 1919 the son of Jesse C. and Lillian A. (Tessman) Kline near Three Rivers.
Mr. Kline graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1938. He received his certificate of Accounting from Parsons Business School, Kalamazoo. He entered military service in July 1941 and served with the AC/AAF until his honorable discharge in November 1945. On August 28, 1943 he was married to Geraldine Fitch who preceded him in death in 2005.
Charles was employed by Fairbanks Morse & Co., U.S. Post office (Centreville), Three Rivers Co-Op, and Michigan Gas & Electric Co. He joined The Johnson Corporation in 1963 and retired in 1982 as a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer. He resided in Park Township for many years. He was a member of the original Park Community School Board, elected for 3 terms and served as secretary.
After moving to Fabius Township he served briefly on the Fabius Township Board, followed by two terms on the Fabius Township Zoning Board, and resigning upon his retirement in 1982. He was active in the Three Rivers Community Chest, serving as a Board member and Treasurer until its reorganization as Western St. Joseph Co. Community Chest (currently St. Joseph County Community Way). He was a past member of the Three Rivers Jaycees, Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, and the Three Rivers Rotary Club and Life Member of the Three Rivers Elks Lodge #1248 and a member of the American Legion Hice-Shutes Post #170.
Charlie enjoyed wood and metal working and fishing. He fished in Canada, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan (both Charter and on his own boat), Laguna Madre of Texas and especially at his home pond.
Mr. Kline was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 62 years Geraldine, one brother Jesse (Betty) Kline, infant daughter, Susan Jane, and one grandson Jason Kline.
He leaves to cherish his memory, two sons, Thomas (Pat) Kline, and William (Colleen) Kline, both of Three Rivers; Grandsons, Michael (Amy) Kline of Three Rivers, Brian (Stacie) Kline, of Kalamazoo, and Eric (Stacie) Kline, of Scotts; granddaughter, Kimberly Lee (Micah) Peet, of Centreville; grandson-in-law, Michael (Onda) Lewman, of Kalamazoo; twelve great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013 at the Hohner Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Hohner Funeral Home, with Pastor Marty Culver officiating. Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery with military honors presented by the American Legion Post # 170
Memorials may be donated to the Charity of One’s Choice. Envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com.
