Charlene Eleanor VanWyk
Did you know Charlene? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
With sadness, the family of Charlene Eleanor VanWyk, age 86, announced her death on March 16, 2021 at her childhood home in Gladwin, Michigan. She was born January 31, 1935 to the late Reynold and Martha (Koenke) Kranich. Charlene graduated from Gladwin High School in 1952 and later attended London Bible School in London, Ontario. Ultimately she worked for Radio Bible Class for nine years. She married the love of her life Kenneth VanWyk in 1966 and for most of her life, called Grand Rapids home, where they raised their daughter and son. Charlene had an easy smile, a contagious laugh and a welcome embrace. She loved to take long walks, read, drink coffee, share close friendships, and participate in various Bible studies. She was a member of Newhall Baptist Church and later Grandville Baptist Church. She is survived by her children; Tonya (Tonnie) VanWyk Brooks and Shawn VanWyk, her nieces and nephews; Eddie Maddox, Rose (Terry) Oakes, Craig (Finley) Kelly, Dale Kelly, Ken (Heather) Kelly, Steve (Aundie) Helling, Sharon (Mitch) Maves, Dean (Stephanie) Kranich, and Nancy (Dale) Miller. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and lifelong friend, Lois (Webber) (Robert) Litteral. She is predeceased by her husband, her siblings; Morris Kranich, Alice Kelly, Flora Helling, and Clara Maddox, and her niece and nephew; Donna Fisher and Larry Maddox. A graveside Service and Interment at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens in Grandville, Michigan was held on March 20, 2021 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Grandville Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund.