Age: 91
Shoemaker, Jesse Charles
Kalamazoo
Jesse Charles (Chuck) Shoemaker, age 91, passed quietly on July 24, 2015 at his daughter Mary's home in Snohomish, Washington. Chuck was born on October 19, 1923 in Toledo, Ohio to Jesse and Mattie Shoemaker. A 1941 graduate of Martin High School, he entered the Army on May 12, 1942 serving in the Pacific theater of operations. On January 11, 1946 he wed Martha Helen Rickli. The couple had three children Thomas David, Jerry Charles, and Mary Margaret. Chuck and his two brothers farmed potatoes for a living. Chuck and Martha were members of the Martin United Methodist Church where they served in leadership roles and as active members. A man of faith he was loved by many for his gentle, kind and thoughtful ways. In and through his life he modeled living in service to his country, community, and God. A wonderful and loving father, he also had seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers George and Jim, and sister, Martha. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 and a half years Martha, a sister, Grace Herbert of Plainwell, a son Tom and wife Tonda of Paw Paw, MI, son Jerry and wife Deborah of Deerfield, MI, and daughter Mary and husband Tim Burpee of Snohomish, WA. He will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at the Martin United Methodist Church at a time and date to be determined.