Charles E. "Chuck" Wilks' Obituary
Charles E. Wilks, age 92, of Norton Shores, entered heaven peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. Mr. Wilks was born on October 10, 1933. He was the son of Thressa (Wiersema) Wilks and Clyde H. Wilks Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the Muskegon area. He graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1952. He also received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Western Michigan University.
Mr. Wilks was a teacher and principal of the former Updyke School. He was also employed at the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District in Special Education as a teacher of the homebound and hospitalized. He was employed as a Program Supervisor at the former Muskegon Regional Center for mentally impaired people. He was instrumental in developing programs designed to prepare residents for community living. He was a founding member and President of the Muskegon Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children. After 14 years with the MAISD he retired in 1986 as Assistant Director of Special Education.
On July 26, 1957, he married the love of his life, Sara Ippel. Their marriage of 68 years was blessed with three children, Laurie (Randy) VanDonkelaar, Linda (Daniel) Heyer, and John (Janet Landheer) Wilks. He also leaves eight beloved grandchildren, Eric (Laura) VanDonkelaar, Marc (Courtney) VanDonkelaar and Joel VanDonkelaar; Lee (Jay Gerlach) Heyer, Ann (Zach) Talen and Lisa (Jack) DeHaan; Chuck (Kellie) Wilks and Michael (Keilahna) Wilks, and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Locricchio, his sister-in-law, Sherry Ippel, and many nieces and nephews.
He was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church, most recently of Calvin Christian Reformed Church, where he served as elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Katie Wilks, his parents, and six siblings, Clyde, Blanche, Leatha, Mary, Lyle, and Winston.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Calvin Church, 973 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441. Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or Western Michigan Christian School. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?