Charles Belanger

Charles L. Belanger, 83, a lifelong resident of Bellaire, died peacefully, Thurs. Feb. 26, 2015 at McLaren Northern Michigan. He was born Nov. 5, 1931, in Detroit the son of Joseph and Julia (Waite) Belanger. He proudly served in the US Army and Navy during the Korean War, receiving 2 purple hearts for his bravery and injury. Charles was a family man. He enjoyed spending his time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. They filled his life with love and happiness. Charles was an avid hunter, sports fan - particularly for the U of M Wolverines, and tended an annual vegetable garden. He taught his children the love of good food and the joy of cooking. Charles was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church - serving as usher, the Bellaire Lions Club, and the American Legion. He was also past president of the Village of Bellaire and Kearney Township Supervisor. On May 24, 1952, in Mancelona, he married the love of his life, Rose Kresnak, who survives. Also surviving are his children Michelle Morton of Traverse City, Michael (Ramona) Belanger of Bellaire, Amanda (Dale) LaBrie of Petoskey, Theresa (Roger) Mason of Bellaire, Jeanne (Jack) Lane of Bellaire, John (Katie) Belanger of Grand Rapids, grandchildren Tracy (Michael), Brian, Peter (Stacy), Katy (Josh), Nicole, John, Adam, Jeff (Alicia), Amy, Ben, Jack, Louis, Sam, Caroline, Lily, Jack, Ellen, 11 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and brother Joseph (Sandy) Belanger and his faithful canine companion Penny. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Marilyn Belanger, Alice Kite, and Yvonne O'Brien, brother Paul Belanger, son Charles Belanger Jr., granddaughter Emily Belanger-Garrant, and great-granddaughter Hannah Cassey. A funeral mass will be held Mon. Mar. 2, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, Bellaire, with Fr. James Gardiner officiating. The family will receive friends Sun. Mar. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at the church . Memorial donations can be directed to the American Legion Post 247, PO BOX 425, Bellaire, MI 49615. Please share your memories online at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.