Merle Edward Chartier

Merle Edward Chartier, 91, of Bay City, our most kind-hearted, loving, caring, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on Monday, July 22, 2019 with his family by his side. Merle was born on March 7, 1928 in Bay City, the son of the late, Ray and  Theresa (Kotewa) Chartier. On December 2, 1950, Merle married the love of his life, the former Marian Provoast at Visitation Church. Together they shared over 68 years, three wonderful children, and countless memories. Merle was a parishioner of All Saints Parish (St. James Church,) belonged to UAW Local 362 and the Steelheaders Association. He worked at General Motors for 30 years, retiring in 1980. Throughout life, Merle enjoyed fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He would handcraft the most beautiful custom poker tables. After retirement, Merle started making the cutest cabbage patch doll furniture for his grandchildren, who were all the lights of his life. Merle will be missed dearly and lovingly remembered for generations to come. Merle leaves to carry on his legacy, his loving wife, Marian; their children, Raymond (Peggy) Chartier,  Sally (John) Drzewicki, and Joette (Richard) Phelps; grandchildren, Benjamin (Rena), Nicholas, Vicki (Larry), Bonnie (Matt), Jessica (Andrew), Angela, Melissa (Jamie), and John (Peggy); 10 great-grandchildren, Steven, Tucker, Colin, Zander, Braxton, Elijah, Zoey, Isaac, Bailey, and Aaron; sister-in-law, Edna Chartier; brothers-in-law, Elgin (Bev) Provoast and Lowell Provoast, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Merle was welcomed home to heaven by his in-laws, Garfield and Edith Provoast; siblings, Lloyd (Bea) Chartier, Delores (Ruben) Slee, Eugene (Lucille) Chartier, Mary Ann (Leo) Sheskey, Joyce (Larry) Tomczak, Paul Chartier, Emery Chartier, and Robert Chartier, along with his sister-in-law, Laura Provoast. Merle’s family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Saturday, July 27, 2019, Merle will be taken to All Saints Parish (St. James Church), 710 Columbus Ave., Bay City, where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until the time of Merle’s 10:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Jose Maria Cabrera will officiate with the Rite of Committal to be held privately in Floral Gardens Cemetery. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Renee and Leigh for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.  

Tribute Video