Charles Willer, 84

Charles D. Willer, age 84, of Sand Lake, Sturgis, passed away early Sunday morning May 2, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born February 16, 1937 in Sturgis, son of the late Harry and Leone (Robertson) Willer.
Charlie resided his entire life in Sturgis and Sand Lake and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1955. He furthered his education at Butler University where he received his Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Music Education. His years in Indy were a special time of his life, and the friends he made there were lifelong.
He retired in 1998 from the Sturgis Public Schools following 37 years of dedicated teaching in the mathematics and music departments. All of those years were spent at the Middle School. The faculty and students he met and worked with became very important relationships over the years, and many students were taught important lessons outside the classroom like how to put in a dock and how to waterski. Prior to joining the Sturgis Public Schools he taught at Park School in Indianapolis and Butler University.
Charlie was a longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis. He also held memberships in the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel where for many years served as treasurer and chairman of the Membership Committee, the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics, St. Joseph County and Sturgis Historical Society, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Board of Directors and Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity.
He is survived by two nieces: Lori (Kevin) Kahila of Mattawan and Cindi (Dave) Woessner of Portage; one nephew: Michael (Debbie) Willer of Piperton, Tennessee and several great nieces and great nephews. Charlie truly delighted in and cherished his family and friends, and those he leaves behind will feel his absence keenly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother: William Willer.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial Requiem Mass honoring the life of Charles David Willer will be held at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, July 29th at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Father James Lively will officiate. Private graveside committal of the ashes will take place at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak at a later date.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
In honoring Charlie’s wishes in lieu of flowers memorial donations would be appreciated to the St. John’s Episcopal Church Organ Maintenance Fund, 110 S. Clay St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where we encourage relatives and friends to share memories and leave condolences for the family.