Charles Robert VanHuysen's Obituary
On August 13, 2015, Charles Robert VanHuysen Jr. (Chuck) died in his home surrounded by his family following a long battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.
Chuck was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Charles (Senior) and Mary Lou VanHuysen. Chuck, Jr. graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. In 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Sue Simpson, also from Battle Creek. During their lives together, Chuck and Sue had three children--Mike, Jim, and Paul. The family resided primarily in Michigan and Maryland. Chuck spent much of his time coaching or travelling with the family to support the boys’ athletic endeavors.
Regardless of geographic location, Chuck remained an avid college sports fan and devoted supporter of the MSU Spartans. He retired in 2005 after a more than 30 year career with the same employer that included leading distribution centers across North America for a major pharmaceutical company. In retirement, Chuck and Sue relocated to Delaware where he spent much of his time doting on his grandchildren. He also enjoyed woodworking and do-it-yourself projects. All big box diy retailers will be particularly saddened at the news of his passing –their best customer has moved on.
Chuck played many roles during his life. He was a dutiful son, a loving husband, a strict and supportive parent, a demanding coach, a direct, but fair supervisor, and an enthusiastic grandparent. He adored his family and teaching his five grandchildren his approaches to doing things and his unique view of the world.
Chuck is survived by his wife Sue, his parents Charles, Sr. and MaryLou, his brother Tom, his sisters Pat and Anne, his son and daughter-in law Michael and Emily, his son and daughter-in-law James and Amy, his son and girlfriend Paul and Ashley, and his five grandchildren Townes, Ryan, Allison, Tyler, and Paige. In addition he had numerous nieces and nephews who were also a major part of his life.
Chuck will be buried at a later date in Michigan. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tunnell Cancer Center, c/o Beebe Medical Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966 or the West Michigan Cancer Center, 200 N. Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
Please sign Chuck's online guestbook at this site.
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