Charles R. "Chuck" VanHuysen

Charles R. “Chuck” VanHuysen, age 99, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on Friday evening, June 9, 2023. 

Chuck was born in Battle Creek on May 7, 1924, the son of Earl and Janette (Scott) VanHuysen.  He faithfully served his country during WWII as a member of the United States Army where he was chosen to play on a select baseball team, entertaining troops across Italy and Africa.  Chuck retired from Michigan Bell Telephone Co. in 1983 after more than 38 years. 

Chuck married Mary Lou Campbell in Battle Creek on January 15, 1949; she sadly preceded him in death on March 24, 2022, after more than 73 loving years.  He is survived by his children, Pat (Dave) Stevens, Tom (Beth) VanHuysen and Anne Hoenes; a daughter-in-law, Sue VanHuysen; his grandchildren, Mike (Emily), Jim (Amy) and Paul (Ashley) VanHuysen, Jessica (Sean) Valenzuela, Nick (Christyne), Zack, Summer VanHuysen, Myles Hoenes, Zach and JT Klucevek, and Michael Washington; nine great-grandchildren, Townes, Ryan, Allison, Tyler, Paige, Hadley, Magnolia VanHuysen, Peyton & Parker Valenzuela; and sisters-in-law, Virginia VanHuysen, Betty Campbell, Joan Campbell and Maxine Campbell.  Chuck was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Charles VanHuysen Jr.; a grandson, Cameron Klucevek; a son-in-law, Mike Hoenes; a sister, Marion Richards; and three brothers, Edward, Norman and Bill VanHuysen. 

Family was everything to Chuck and he particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren.  He also enjoyed playing baseball & golfing in his younger years, and of course visiting with his “Big Boy” family. 

Chuck’s family will receive friends 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2023  at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where services to celebrate his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. The service will be Live-Streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/3513227/8019624382.  Please consider making a donation to your favorite children’s charity in memory of Chuck.  Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.  

The family has created a beautiful photo slideshow and it may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/846254463