Obituary of Charles Oscar Hehl

Charles O. Hehl was born in Monroe, MI on October 25, 1941. He was the son of the late Kenneth and Virginia (Ray) Hehl. Charles was baptized on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day. When his parents returned home from church the news of the attack was being broadcast on the radio. He never forgot his Baptismal Day. Charles graduated from Monroe High School in 1959 and attended Ferris State University. He married the former Barbara Ellison on October 28, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe by Reverend Herbert Fehner who also confirmed the two of them. Charles lived in St. Louis, Missouri from 1961 until 1973 where he worked for an architectural firm. In 1973 he moved back to Monroe to work for La-Z-Boy Incorporated leading the construction team in the expansion years through 2000. He retired in 2005 as Corporate Plant Engineer. Charles was a former member of the Monroe High School Alumni Association. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe and its choir, men’s club, and had served as President, Vice President, Sunday School Superintendent, and Trustee. He also belonged to the Frenchtown Senior Citizens, the YMCA, and on occasion attended Trinity Lutheran Church. Charles enjoyed his daily bike rides along the river and was an avid Bridge player having won, with his partner, the first Monroe Lotus Bridge Tournament in March 2009. After his retirement, he also began playing Texas Holdem winning many local tournaments. Music played a big role in his life; watching Gaither Gospel most afternoons and listening to county music. Charles enjoyed classic car shows, having owned several over the years. Charles O. Hehl, age 75 of Monroe passed away peacefully at 6:37pm on November 11, 2016 at his home. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by son: Paul D. Hehl on March 9, 2002; infant sister: Brenda. To cherish his memory, Charles leaves his wife Barbara; four children: Paula (Wayne) Freant of St. Peters, Missouri; Michelle (Kenny) Stephens of Jacksonville, Florida; Michael (Kay) Hehl of Ida, and Timothy Hehl of Monroe; daughter-in-law: Connie Hehl; ten grandchildren: Jessica (Joe) Pawlyk, Jeremy and Kenneth Hehl, Kenny Ray Stephens and Joshua and Jacob Dunn, Cody and Brayden Freant, and Spencer and Jared Hehl; one great granddaughter: Ava Lynn Pawlyk; his brother: David (Shelly) Hehl; nephews: Matthew, Bradley and Marcus; brother-in-law: David Chesney; nephew: Kenny Chesney; and aunt: Bernice Miller. Friends may gather from 3:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 16 at Grace Lutheran Church, 630 North Monroe. Pastor Mark Witte will officiate and procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Promedica Hospice, Dr. Trivedi, Karmanos Cancer Center and Dr. Vaishamp Ayan and Staff, Dr. Burroughs, and numerous beloved family and friends that assisted with Charles’ care.