Obituary of Charles Milton Petersen

Salt-water fish enthusiast, gamer, king of unpretentious banter and self-described one-eyed fat man, Charles M. Petersen (AKA Chuck, Chuckles, Chaz, Gramps, and Rabid Goose) was unexpectedly taken from those he loved on October 23, 2021. He came into this world as the youngest son of James V. and Doris E. (Carpenter) Petersen on July 20, 1953 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. After graduating from Tawas Area High School in 1971, where he excelled as an athlete and collected the nickname “Ears”, Chuck played baseball at Ferris State College. On March 1, 1974 he married his high school sweetheart and “main squeeze,” Suzann Beth Sandusky. Chuck happily retired, after 34 years of tree trimming, in 2009. Their daughters, Rebecca (Ryan) Baranski, Elizabeth Petersen, and Kathryn Petersen, are left to cherish the memories of a father who cheered from the sidelines at their sporting events with the same enthusiasm he used to yell at the refs, who loved camping and beach time, pickle ball and hacky sack, and whose unapologetic fashion sense included sweatpants, Crocks, and a T-shirt or flannel with a completely unwrapped Cherry Chapstick in the pocket. Chuck will be remembered by his grandchildren Abigail, Isaac, Easton, Brendan, Isabel, Julian, Amelia, and Brycen as a passionate debater, who enjoyed kibitzing from the sidelines of any board or card game, and would give an honest answer to any question, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He is described by friends as rock solid, someone you could depend on, with a larger-than-life personality and quick wit. In the 68 years Chuck was with us, he may not have gotten the pool he always wanted, but he believed he “had a good run.” During his life he grieved the loss of his mother and step-father, Doris and Harlow Riggs, his father and step-mother, James and Doris Petersen, his brother Gene Riggs, and his legendary boyhood dog, Candy. But, Chuck was also blessed with the love of his bride, his daughters, his grandchildren, his brother James Petersen, his sister Judie Wiese, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved Porch Posse. At Chuck’s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a donation to Great Starts Imagination Library Tuscola County or just raise a shot of Jack and toast the memory of a uniquely funny man. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michgian.