Charles ‘Precious Grandpa’ Wilmer

Charles was born July 20, 1935, in Beloit, Wis. Charles graduated from Channing High School and went on to earn a master’s degree from Northern Michigan University. He taught English and history at a few Michigan schools and ultimately settled-in and retired from North Dickinson County School.

Charles married Lyla Robinson on Oct. 22, 1955, at Immanuel Baptist Church. The couple spent winters in Gulf Shores, Ala.

“Ol’ Chuckers” loved to travel, whether across the country, or through the countryside. Charlie enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was a devout Christian and enjoyed sharing his ministry of God with everyone, including inmates at the local jail where he held bi-weekly ministries for a few decades.

Charlie was a member of Gideon’s International, where he distributed Bibles to local schools and motels, and held the office of president for many years.

Charlie also loved to tell stories. His grandchildren share fond memories of listening to Grandpa’s bedtime stories, Bible stories, impromptu history lessons, and tales of his travels throughout America. He spent his years after his wife’s passing writing a book called “A Concise Explanation of the Christian Faith,” which combines explanations of the Bible with his own personal experiences related to each topic. The manuscript was accepted by Trilogy Christian Publishing just days before his passing. One of his life-long dreams was to be a published author, so his family is working with Trilogy to get the book to print by early next year.

Charles is survived by two brothers, Art Wilmer of Houston and Bill (Verna) Wilmer of Beloit; a sister, Kristine (Bob) Siebert of Spring Hill, Fla.; two daughters, Jean DeDie (Dave Glynn) of Madison and Denise (Mark) Edwards of Iron Mountain; son, Jeffrey Wilmer of Norway; nine grandchildren, Paula Paplham, Charlene (Shane) Norberg, Joshua (Melissa) Dorman, Jeremy Dorman, Nicole Dorman, Jonah Dorman, Angela (Joshua) Reed, Crystal Bennett and Dawn (Curt) Sabey; 17 precious great-grandchildren, Dawson, Shane Jr., Lauren, Trei, Charlie, Ronan, Chloe, Alaina, Auralia, Reihannen, Izayah, Cecelia, Addalynn, Bentley, Delilah, Lexi and Vivian; and many nieces and nephews.

Charlie also leaves behind special friends, Christine Allen and Bob Goodreau.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, at Maranatha Assembly of God Church in Kingsford. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the church. Reverend Dave Wilton will officiate. Burial will be on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Channing Cemetery at 1 p.m.

The family drew much comfort from 2 Corinthians 5:6 “…to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.”

Condolences to the family of Charles Wilmer may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.