Obituary of Charles Robert Bruck

Charles Robert Bruck was born at the family farm in Scofield, Michigan on January 4, 1943. He was one of ten children from the union of Oscar J. and Helena (Young) Bruck. Charles attended Monroe High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably from 1961-1964 obtaining the rank of E-5. He married Rosemary Joblinski on April 23, 1966. For several years, Charles was employed by La-Z-Boy Chair Company in manufacturing. He didn’t care to be stuck inside all day so he found employment with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 17 as a Tree Trimmer. Charles would spend thirty-eight years, as a subcontractor for DTE Energy, with several local companies serving most of Southeast Michigan. He was a hard worker spending many weekends doing freelance pruning, and with eight mouths to feed he was extremely frugal. Charles often collected “junk”, knowing that it could be repurposed. He was blessed with a green thumb, enjoying tending to his half acre backyard garden, with his vineyard, orchard, and poultry. Charles liked to tinker; was always inventing unique items, working in his woodshop, and was skilled enough to design his own home and build barns. He was generous always sharing with others, even the food right off of his own plate. In 2016, he surprised his bride with a 50th Anniversary Trip to Alaska. Charles, age 73 of Carleton passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, January 2, 2017. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a sister: Katherine at birth, twin brothers: Anthony and Arthur; and brother: Arnold “Mick” Bruck. To cherish his memory he leaves a beloved wife: Rosemary; eight children: Charles (Lisa) Jr., Gerald (Amy), Lynda (Charles) Gould, Randall (Jennifer), William (Natalie), Sara (Bryan) Sturgeon, Donna (Irving) Hwang, and Anthony (Meghan) Bruck; five siblings: Oscar (Linda) Jr., Rose Mary Bruck, Helena Shanteau, Frederick (Marge), and Ronald Bruck; twenty-nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren with one on the way; numerous nieces and nephews; and his spoiled faithful four-legged companion: Gunner. Friends may gather from 2:00pm-8:00pm, Friday, January 6, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, January 7, also at Merkle’s with Pastor Ed Mason officiating. Procession will follow to Gethsemane Cemetery for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.