James Fiedler

James G. Fiedler, 87, of Charlevoix, passed away on April 26, 2019, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on January 14, 1932, in Holt, MI, the son of Carroll and Cleo Jane (Swagart) Fiedler. At the age of 12, he moved with his family to Charlevoix.

After graduating from Charlevoix High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

On September 1, 1956, he married Anne Johnson, of Mancelona.

Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Michigan State University and taught in public schools throughout Michigan. He became a licensed builder and later worked as a pipefitter on construction projects throughout the Midwest.

Jim was a founding member of the Charlevoix Church of the Nazarene and built much of the church. His community involvement also included serving on the Charlevoix Township Board.

In retirement, he and his wife enjoyed doing mission work in Central America, where Jim helped build schools, churches and homes. He also was a longtime bell ringer for the Salvation Army.

He enjoyed camping with his sons in Michigan and Canada, and elk hunting in Colorado.

Surviving are: his wife, Anne Fiedler of Charlevoix; four children, Lisa (Ken) Norberg of Santa Maria, CA, Kris Fiedler Way of Charlevoix, Erik (Brenda) Fiedler of Melvindale, MI, and Andre Fiedler of Chicago, IL; three brothers, Mark (Milly) Fiedler of Mancelona, Paul (Jean) Fiedler of Yuma, AZ, and Bob Fiedler of Flint; a sister, Joyce (Herb) Hamlin of Leesburg, FL; six grandchildren, Kelly (Chris) Way Davis, Stephanie Way, Jonathan Way, Benjamin Way, Aaron Stevens and Aubrey Smialkowski; and eight great-grandchildren, Kennedi Davis, Graham Davis, Jude Brutch, Elliana Stevens, Gabriella Stevens, Sam Stevens, Ava Stevens and Eli Smialkowski.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Charlevoix Church of the Nazarene.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charlevoix Church of the Nazarene, 12023 Waller Road, Charlevoix, MI, 49720 or to the Salvation Army, 712 Pleasant St., Petoskey, MI, 49770.

Find an online guest book at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.