Charlotte Chuckie Fett Hellenga

FETT HELLENGA, Charlotte "Chuckie"
Age 88
of Kalamazoo, MI and Grand Haven, MI Chuckie went home into the safe arms of her Lord on January 10, 2012 surrounded by her loving and caring family. Chuckie was born in Salem, IL, on March 6, 1923 to George and Cato VanDyke. Shortly thereafter the family relocated to Grand Haven, MI. On March 9, 1945, she was united in marriage to Robert D. Hellenga. Chuckie showered her strength and love upon their family as Bob continued through school to get his Doctorate Degree. Their union was blessed with six children who survive: David Peggy Hellenga of Endwell, NY, Nancy Rick Hathaway of Grand Haven, MI, Dale Patricia Hellenga of Mattawan, MI, Susan Mike Williams of Portage, MI, Gary Sue Hellenga of Plainwell, MI and Steve Brenda Hellenga of Kalamazoo, MI. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Kurt Meaghan Hellenga, Sean Nadia Hellenga, Amy Hellenga, Heather Doug Hopek, Travis Julia Osterman, Todd Julia Azari Osterman, Micah Rebecca Hellenga, Johannah Jason Ramaker, Nicholas Schroen, Eric and Patrick Hellenga, Nicole Kevin Cody and Katie Hellenga. Chuckie was also blessed with 10 great-grand children: Ryan and Andrew Hellenga, Zoryana and Aidan Hellenga, Maddie, Kori and Anya Hopek, Jillyan and Theo Osterman and Hailey Cody. Chuckie was preceded in death by her beloved Robert in 1975. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Hermina VerBerkemoes. She is survived by two sisters Mary Bronson Butterfield and Joyce Binns. God chose to bring Frank Fett, who survives, into her life and they were united in marriage on June 12, 1980. She is also survived by three step children: Brent, Mark and Vickie Fett. Chuckie's greatest joy was to be surrounded her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Chuckie was very proud to be a homemaker and was passionate about loving and caring for her children. She made costumes for Halloween and school plays. She made up games and played them right along with her children and the children in the neighborhood. Chuckie made sure their home was filled with unconditional love, learning, sharing with each other and lots of laughter. Her favorite hobbies were ice skating, sewing, gardening, knitting, and spending time crafting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida. Her family will miss her loving ways, her sweet smile and her love of life. A service to celebrate Chuckie's life will be held at 10:00 o'clock Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Blvd, in Kalamazoo. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven at 2:30. Friends may meet the family Monday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.