Charles "Chuck" Coffey's Obituary
Charles “Chuck” Edmund Coffey, age 82, of Marquette, MI, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the Heartwood Lodge Hospice Residence in Spring Lake, MI after a 9 month battle with cancer. He was born in Allen Park, MI on September 30, 1932 to Roy and Beatrice (Brotzman) Coffey.
Chuck received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. While attending the U of M, he met Lauriann Gant. On July 11, 1957 he and Lauriann were married at the First Presbyterian Church of Marquette. She preceded him in death on August 30, 2012.
Chuck was committed to public service. He served his country stateside in the US Army during the Korean War. He was also elected as a commissioner for the City of Marquette and served as mayor in 1992.
Mostly, Chuck will be remembered as an educator. He taught mathematics and science at both the high school and college level for over 30 years. During that time he also served as a Boy Scout leader and coached many of his sons’ athletic teams. At Marquette Senior High school he was involved with Science Olympiad. In 1996, he retired from teaching.
In retirement, Chuck enjoyed traveling with his wife Lauri and watching Northern Michigan University and University of Michigan sporting events. He and Lauri were both members of the NMU and MSHS athletic booster clubs.
Chuck was also an active member of the Superiorland Bridge Club. After Lauri’s death, it was bridge and his bridge companions that kept him going. In January 2014, he was recognized as a Life Master. He was an avid photographer and was skilled at watercolor painting.
He is survived by two sons, Stephen Coffey of Moore, OK, and David (Kathy) Coffey of Spring Lake, MI; six grandchildren: Sarah, Timothy, and Hannah Coffey, Hilary (Joshua Veazey) Schmid-Veazey, John and Andrew Schmid; one great-grandson, Vance Charles Veazey. He is also survived by one sister, Lois Porch; two brothers, Robert (Mary) Coffey and Eugene (Joyce) Coffey; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering will take place later this summer in Marquette, Michigan. An announcement will follow. Memorial contributions in memory of Chuck may be given to Hospice of North Ottawa Community or the American Cancer Society. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.
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