Obituary of Charles Zlatos

Charles Zlatos, age 92, of Monroe, passed away at 9:26pm, Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on March 11, 1926 from the union of the late Karol Zlatos and Marie (Lochi) Zlatos. He was married to Helen Erndwein on February 23, 1945. He entered the United States Air Force on October 17, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While serving in the Air Force, Charles acquired the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal among other citations. He completed a school of mechanical trades for heavy units. He was discharged from the service on September 14, 1945. Charles was employed by the Wyandotte Chemical Company. After 21 years of service he retired in 1978. However, he was much better known for his carpentry. He loved to work with his hands and loved to build things. Many of his projects included his beloved children and grandchildren. He built many homes in the area performing tasks from block and brick laying to framing. Even after his retirement from Wyandotte Chemical he was almost single-handedly able to construct a garage at the Carleton home of his son Carl. Charles was able to work circles around most men even after he was well into his 70's. He was a quiet man with a dynamite personality and a handshake that could crush an unsuspecting greeter. The Zlatos family owned a cottage near Atlanta, Michigan where many family visits included the Up North retreat. Hunting and trapping were two of Charles' favorite ways to pass the time. He also took pride in gardening. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving son: Carl (Shirley) Zlatos of Carleton; two daughters: Suesan (Donald) Caraway of Flat Rock and Sherron (Tom) Keck of Kentucky; eight grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. He was preceded in his passing by his parents, his wife: Helen on April 18, 2001; daughter: Mary Lou Hope in 2005; brother: Rudy; and sisters: Anna and Elenore. Private Graveside Services will be held with burial next to his beloved Helen at Michigan Memorial Park in Huron Township. Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services, Livonia. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements. Online words of inspiration and comfort may be sent to the Merkle website at www.merklefuneralservice.com; Life Stories page.