1923
Charles
2017
Charles Bartha
October 23, 1923 — December 30, 2017
CHARLES BARTHA OF BATTLE CREEK, MI
Charles, age 94, passed away at home alongside his beloved wife on December 30, 2017. Charles, the son of Lajos and Borbála (Karakó) Bartha, was born on October 23, 1923 in Viss, Hungary. He married his wife, Ilona (Asbóth) Bartha on July 5, 1958 in Detroit. Charles and his wife were inseparable.
Charles lived a full and active life. He received a classical education at Sárospataki Református Kollégium, an eight-year boarding school in Hungary. He graduated with a degree in industrial design from Wayne State University. Charles was a skilled mathematician, talented artist and sculptor, and spoke numerous languages – Hungarian, German, French, and English – and was educated in Latin and Greek.
Charles served with the 26th Hungarian Infantry Regiment during World War II, and later joined a Hungarian auxiliary unit of the French Foreign Legion. He then immigrated to the U.S. and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Charles became a U.S. citizen in Munich during his service.
After his military career, Charles began working for the Rock Island Arsenal and moved to Battle Creek, MI in 1963. Charles worked at the Federal Center for 30 years in various analyst roles. Upon retirement, he worked at the private library of Chef Louis Szathmáry of "The Bakery" in Chicago (a schoolmate from boarding school), and consulted for various firms for years thereafter.
Charles enjoyed playing tennis until his mid-80s, gardening, loved nature, linguistics, and competitive bridge. He adored his wife and family, and was a gentle, honorable and dignified man. He had a sharp mind, quick wit, and was knowledgeable on a wide range of topics.
Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ilona; his son Charles A. of Northville, MI, and his wife Karen (Brissette) Bartha; his daughter, Suzanne B. of Traverse City, MI, and her husband, Mark VanderKlipp and four grandchildren, Clara Bartha, Regan Bartha, Alex VanderKlipp, and Charlie VanderKlipp, and two brothers, Dénes Bartha and Jozsef Bartha, both of NyÃregyháza, Hungary. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, István, Lajos, and Sándor.
There will be no service and cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charles' memory may be directed to MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) Foundation [msd-foundation.org/donate] or Charles' preparatory school "Sárospataki Református Kollégium" (and mailed to: C.Bartha, 46688 Crystal Downs W, Northville, MI 48168). The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek is assisting Charles' family.
Charles, age 94, passed away at home alongside his beloved wife on December 30, 2017. Charles, the son of Lajos and Borbála (Karakó) Bartha, was born on October 23, 1923 in Viss, Hungary. He married his wife, Ilona (Asbóth) Bartha on July 5, 1958 in Detroit. Charles and his wife were inseparable.
Charles lived a full and active life. He received a classical education at Sárospataki Református Kollégium, an eight-year boarding school in Hungary. He graduated with a degree in industrial design from Wayne State University. Charles was a skilled mathematician, talented artist and sculptor, and spoke numerous languages – Hungarian, German, French, and English – and was educated in Latin and Greek.
Charles served with the 26th Hungarian Infantry Regiment during World War II, and later joined a Hungarian auxiliary unit of the French Foreign Legion. He then immigrated to the U.S. and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Charles became a U.S. citizen in Munich during his service.
After his military career, Charles began working for the Rock Island Arsenal and moved to Battle Creek, MI in 1963. Charles worked at the Federal Center for 30 years in various analyst roles. Upon retirement, he worked at the private library of Chef Louis Szathmáry of "The Bakery" in Chicago (a schoolmate from boarding school), and consulted for various firms for years thereafter.
Charles enjoyed playing tennis until his mid-80s, gardening, loved nature, linguistics, and competitive bridge. He adored his wife and family, and was a gentle, honorable and dignified man. He had a sharp mind, quick wit, and was knowledgeable on a wide range of topics.
Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ilona; his son Charles A. of Northville, MI, and his wife Karen (Brissette) Bartha; his daughter, Suzanne B. of Traverse City, MI, and her husband, Mark VanderKlipp and four grandchildren, Clara Bartha, Regan Bartha, Alex VanderKlipp, and Charlie VanderKlipp, and two brothers, Dénes Bartha and Jozsef Bartha, both of NyÃregyháza, Hungary. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, István, Lajos, and Sándor.
There will be no service and cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charles' memory may be directed to MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) Foundation [msd-foundation.org/donate] or Charles' preparatory school "Sárospataki Református Kollégium" (and mailed to: C.Bartha, 46688 Crystal Downs W, Northville, MI 48168). The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek is assisting Charles' family.
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