Charles William Maike

Charles “Chuck” William Maike, 77, of Niles, passed away Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2014, in Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville, Michigan.

Chuck’s life began September 27, 1936 in Chesaning, Michigan, the second of ten children born to the late Charles L. and Beatrice (Nichols) Maike. He spent most of his years growing up in South Bend and attended Clay High School.

Chuck married Loretta “Lori” (Wilcox) Tracey on October 6, 1984. He is survived by his wife, Lori; six children, Jack Maike, Lisa (Thom) Andreae, Lenore Tracey, Mark (Katrina) Maike, Amy (Bruce) Pontius and Kimberly (John) Carnine; his sisters and brothers, Katherine Creech, Nancy Maike, Suzanne (Wayne) Bonner, Janet (Kris) Hawblitzel, Connie (Tom) Hebron, Douglas (Lori) Maike, Dennis Maike, Denise (Rob) Mead and Sheila (Terry) Cegielski; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

From a young age Chuck followed in his father’s footsteps refinishing hardwood floors. This led him to his future businesses of hardwood floor refinishing and construction contracting. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 413 in South Bend and served as a Reservist in the Indiana National Guard.

Chuck was a man of faith and served as a Deacon in the Church of Christ.

His interests included restoring antique cars, renovating his property, enjoying nature and most of all sharing these passions with his grandchildren.

Friends may visit with Chuck’s family Tuesday, May 20, from 5:00 - 7:30 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

A Memorial Service honoring Chuck’s life will begin at 7:30 pm following the visitation.

Memorials are suggested to Hanson Hospice Center / Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

As a generous and loving man, Chuck was a stranger to no one and he displayed kindness to everyone he met. He will be missed by many.