Charles Clinton "Chuck" Webb's Obituary
Charles Clinton “Chuck” Webb (CW5, US Army retired), age 82, of North Muskegon passed away on October 17, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Chuck was born on February 2, 1938 to the late Albert and Daisy (Hogan) Webb in Alpena, MI. He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1956, and married his wife of 49 years, Theresa J. Webb on June 17, 1961 at St. Michaels Church in Muskegon and she preceded him in death on January 26, 2011. Music talent began early in his life as a guitarist, and he started a band in the 1950’s in Grand Haven called the “Rockin’ Polkateers.” After marrying his wife, who was an accomplished accordionist for her father’s band, he added a banjo to round-out his guitar playing, and Chuck and Theresa created the Grabinski’s Orchestra, carrying on the legacy of his father-in-law. The Grabinski’s played at thousands of dances, festivals, and weddings throughout the Midwest until their last job on New Year’s Eve 2010. Chuck was the Chairman of the Seaway and Lumbertown Polka Fests in the 1970s and 1980s and also organized and taught polka dancing lessons for the community during that time. He was inducted into the Michigan State Polka Music Hall of Fame in 1999. His wife and father-in-law were previously inducted in 1977 and 1972, respectively. He encouraged others to learn and enjoy playing music, especially the young, and led the Polish Roman Catholic Union’s monthly polka jam sessions and played in the Virgil Baker Orchestra for the last several years. Sometime in the last few decades, Chuck affectionately became known as “Grandpa Polka.” Beyond his musical accomplishments, Chuck completed an impressive 38-year career in the United States Army from 1960 until his retirement in 1998, rising within the enlisted ranks from E1 to E7 and the warrant officer ranks from WO1 to his final rank of CW5. He loved to serve and held positions in Combat Support and Combat Heavy Engineer units in Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas. He deployed around the world to include the southern border, Egypt, Oman, and Honduras. His awards, to include the Legion of Merit and The Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, badges, and decorations are consistent with soldiers who have had the honor to serve the United States in a variety of theaters over a period of decades. Chuck traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. He was also an avid golfer and past member of Lincoln Golf Course. He will be greatly missed by his son CAPT Charles E. Webb (US Coast Guard) and spouse Lisa and their sons Daniel and Austin of Traverse City; and his daughter Catherine J. Rahrig and spouse Peter and their daughter Morgan of Norton Shores. A Military Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM Friday, October 23, 2020 at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI 49441) with LCDR James O. Dewey, as Chaplain Officiant. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Thursday, October 22, 2020 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will also be held 10-11 AM on Friday at the church. Interment will take place at Laketon Township Cemetery with Military Honors offered by the Whitehall American Legion Post #69 and the Michigan Army National Guard Honor Detail. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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