Charles "Chuck" Walter Carlson passed away peacefully on Friday November 20, 2020.  Chuck was born on May 20, 1937 in Muskegon Michigan.  He was preceded in death by his parents Eleanor (Novak) and Carl "Walter" Carlson, his sister Janice Peterson, brother Lawrence "Tim" Carlson, and first wife Mary Jane (Rush) Carlson.

After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1956, he served in the Navy as an EM3 specializing in electric maintenance and repair.  Chuck was a first-generation college graduate of Western Michigan University and earned four degrees: Machine Tool Technology ('58), Bachelors of Science ('60), Masters of Arts ('65) and Masters of Education ('65) teaching Industrial Education.  After receiving his undergraduate degree, he began working in the Pontiac Division of the General Motors Corporation and embarked upon a long and dedicated teaching career at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in 1964.

At GRCC, he taught Mathematics, Hydraulics, Welding, Machine Shop and Drafting and was instrumental in developing the GRCC Plastics-Polymer Engineering Technology program. He proudly served as the President of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) and was a member since 1969.  After retirement from GRCC in 1993, Chuck operated as an independent consultant for several companies in the West Michigan plastics industry.

He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman, and genuinely enjoyed time spent outdoors with family and friends. Chuck was a true international sportsman, having experienced big game hunting in South Africa and frequent hunting adventures throughout Canada.  Chuck loved his four children: Lewis (Patty Dickman) Carlson, Jennifer (Jon) Koetje, Alicia (Michael) Bouwens and Linnea (Mike) Jaconette and was especially proud of his grandchildren: Karlee, Kyle and Janae Koetje; Brooke, Natalia and Mia Bouwens; and Abigail and Eleanor Jaconette, all of whom survived his passing.  He is also survived by his wife Bette (Scheneman) Carlson, his sister Barbara Neal Ward and brother Stephen (Vicki) Carlson, and many nieces, nephews, step children, step grandchildren, extended family members and many friends, near and far.

As a lover of continuing education and long time supporter of college students, Chuck requested that any memorials be sent to the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) for future scholarships. The SPE Foundation, Charles W. Carlson Scholarship, 100 Reserve Road Suite B310, Danbury, CT 06810. You may access his memorial scholarship page and direct donations here: https://give.4spe.org/charlescarlson

Due to public health concerns related to the Covid-19 pandemic, graveside funeral arrangements will be private and limited to members of his immediate family.  A memorial celebration will be planned for 2021.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com