Charles Allers RIP

[Marie LaFreniere]

TRAVERSE CITY â?? Charles Nicholas Allers, 90, over 70-year resident of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, at Munson Medical Center. Charles was the son of the late Capt. Charles J. and Marie (Bader) Allers, born Oct. 11, 1917, on Beaver Island.

Charles was a graduate of the 1937 class of Central High School in Traverse City.

He answered the call of duty, enlisting with the United States Marines Corps in 1945, serving as a machinist during World War II.

Charles returned to Traverse City and entered into marriage with the former Marion Victoria Kelcherman in 1959.

Building on the skills Charles acquired while in the service and as an apprentice for Kahlenberg Brothers, he went to work as a Machinist for Cone Drive Gear. Charles stayed with Cone Drive until his retirement in 1977.

He was a life member of the Masonic Lodge as a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shriners.

As the son of a sea Captain, Charles never lost his passion for anything nautical from volunteering on the Tall Ship Madeline to building model boats. Charles was always one you could find tinkering, working with wood, alone in his basement shop, helping others out or just fixing something around the house.

He will be deeply missed by many, especially those accustomed to his company over a cup of coffee at J and S Hamburg.

Charles is survived by his wife of over 48 years, Mrs. Vickie Allers; a son, Don (Kathleen) Porter of Cutlerville; three daughters, Charlene (Brian) Largent-Kevwitch of Traverse City, Phyllis (Archie) Pouzar of South Boardman and Barbara Noel of Traverse City; a daughter-in-law, Janet Porter of Grawn; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two nieces, Lynne and June; a nephew, Rick; and many other loving family members and friends.

An opportunity to visit and share with friends and family will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, from 1 until 4 p.m., at the Allers home on Third Street in Traverse City.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriners Hospital.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Published in the Record-Eagle on 1/5/2008.