As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Charles “Chuck” Kerttu, at the age of 72, following a short battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in his home in Centennial.
Chuck was the cherished husband of Sue Kerttu, a loving father and grandfather known as “Papa,” a proud great-grandfather, and a beloved uncle, brother, cousin, and second Papa to many.
Chuck was born on April 17, 1954, at St. Joseph Hospital in Hancock, Michigan, to Erick and Olga Kerttu of Baltic Location.
While attending Jeffers High School, Chuck met the love of his life, Carolyn “Sue” Perreault, in 1972. They were married on September 14, 1974, and built a life together filled with family, friendship, and countless memories. Together, they raised three children: Christopher, Samantha, and Amanda.
Chuck loved traveling, especially riding his Harley with Sue. Over the years, they took many trips, including rides to Sturgis and Tomahawk. They attended numerous pig roasts and enjoyed riding alongside family and longtime friends, Bill and Mary Penrose. Monday nights often found Chuck playing pool with family and friends in a local league, and he bowled for many years at Millers. He was also part of his father-in-law’s cribbage league and spent many evenings playing Pinochle with family. He even conquered The Legend of Zelda—he was definitely a gamer!
Chuck could spend hours fishing on the lake or river, and he loved watching family karaoke sessions in the woodshop (and sometimes, we could even convince him to sing!). He always enjoyed live music and watching Sue dance the night away, making sure to sneak in a slow dance with her whenever he could.
No matter where he was or what he was doing, Chuck could usually be found with a smile on his face and an Old Mill Red in hand.
Most weekends, you could find Chuck at the Bush camp or Kerttu’s Cove in Gay, where he welcomed everyone to come, relax, and enjoy time together. He loved working on projects, whether clearing land, milling wood, or building whatever was needed. There was very little he couldn’t do, and he took great pride in making things with his own hands. He especially loved spoiling his grandkids.
Papa was the person everyone turned to when something needed fixing or a problem needed solving. Whether it was an unusual noise in the car or something that needed attention around the house, Chuck would always show up. You could count on him to lend a hand, offer a solution, or simply be there when you needed him.
Known as a “Master Tradesperson” and a true jack-of-all-trades, Chuck was a welder, fabricator, heavy equipment operator, and mechanic. He could build, drive, or fix just about anything he put his hands on. His skills were matched only by his willingness to help others.
Chuck’s greatest joy was being a dad and Papa to his family. He is lovingly remembered by his son, Chris (Barb) of Mohawk; his daughters, Samantha (Aron) of Calumet and Amanda (Mike) of Mohawk; and his cherished grandchildren, Markus, Kali (Nick), Taylor (Joe), Alex (Kendal), Travis, Faith, Zander, Landen, Easton, and Bryce. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Kane, Ella Jo, Jasper, and Violet.
Beyond his immediate family, Chuck held a special place in the hearts of many nieces, nephews, and adopted family members who knew him as another Papa.
Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue; parents, Erick and Olga; his sister, Anna; his great-grandson, Carson Rae; his nephew, Davey; and his niece, Krissy.
Visitation will be held at Erickson-Crowley-Peterson Funeral Home on October 23 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
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