Charles "Chuck" Kanitz

     Charles "Chuck" Kanitz, age 81 of Battle Creek unexpectedly went to be with his Lord & Savior on Monday evening, May 5, 2025. Chuck was born September 12, 1943 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Elby Kanitz Jr and Marie (Ellis) Kanitz as their first-born child. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, a step-mother, Tillie Kanitz, and siblings, Diane Massey, Lisa Lingafelt and Brian Taylor.

     Chuck is survived by his wife, Doris Kanitz, whom he married, April 28, 1973 in Battle Creek, Michigan; three children, Jill (Michael) Hodson of Kalamazoo, MI, Doug (Gennai) Edwards of Battle Creek, MI, and Carol (Stanley) Kuehnert of Fort Wayne, IN; nine grandchildren, Stacey Morgan, April (Ben) MacDonald, Erica Edwards, Jami Kuehnert, Kelli (Joshua) Griffin, Ashtyn Kenbeek, Morgan Kenbeek, Karyss Hodson, and Zaiden Hodson; nine great-grandchildren, Blaze Edwards, Jada Wynne, Trace Edwards, Peyton MacDonald, Lilliana MacDonald, Kemp Edwards, Savannah MacDonald, Hazel Smith, Stanley MacDonald; 2 great-great granddaughters, Sophia and Olivia Edwards; siblings, Carolyn (Bobbie) Anders of Brevard, NC, Sharon (Larry) Walker of Ocala, FL, Cheryl Newman of Britton, MI, Cliff (Kathy) Lingafelt of Racine, WI, Leslie Lingafelt of Oak Creek, WI, Mike (Melissa) Taylor of River Ranch, FL, Ron (Tammy) Taylor of Tecumseh, MI, Jeff (Mary) Taylor of Maybee, MI, and Greg (Jody) Taylor of Milan, MI; step-mother, Norma Kanitz of River Ranch, FL; two aunts, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

     Chuck grew up in Milan, Michigan where he attended high school and was part of the Big Reds football team and the class of 1962. After high school he joined the United States Air Force, stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois for four years. Chuck moved to Battle Creek, MI in 1971 and began working at Security National Bank where he met Doris. He later changed employment to the Federal Center retiring after 18 years. In “retirement” Chuck and Doris purchased and operated Cee Dee’s Coney Island Express for 5 years before finishing his working years as a bus driver for Pennfield Schools. He was an active member of Emmett Street Missionary Church where he was a board member and served many years as the treasurer.

     Chuck was a big fan of westerns and anything with John Wayne. He enjoyed living life in the country, caring for and riding his horses, raising cows and keeping a large vegetable garden, with some of the best sweet corn around. He also loved spending time with friends and family, camping and sightseeing all over the country. Chuck enjoyed supporting and watching his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in their sports and activities.

     The family will receive friends 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek where services to celebrate Chuck's life will begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, officiated by Pastor Ken Smeader. The service will be Livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/5114437. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Emmett Street Missionary Church, 552 E Emmett St. Battle Creek, MI 49017 and/or Veterans Helping Veterans SWMI, 354 N 27th. Street Springfield, MI 49037 (https://vetshelpswmi.org/). Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Chuck may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.