Obituary of Charles Koteles

September 16, 1934 – June 24, 2025

Charles Koteles. Age 90 of Woodhaven, formerly of Trenton.

Beloved husband of the late Mary. Loving father of Cathy (Robert) Kotylo, Linda (Randy) Knockeart, Curt (Laura) Koteles and Craig (Traci) Koteles. Dearest grandfather of Heather (James) Balk, Michael Kotylo, Brad (Emily) Kotylo, Jennnifer (Justin) Ramos, James (Megan) Knockeart, Daniel Koteles, Lauren Koteles, Brendan Koteles and Jacob Koteles. Great grandfather of Brock, Brooklynn, Boston, Ellyana, Madison, Porter, Tyler and Jason. Dear brother of Karen (John) Maniel and the late Betty Niebert.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
 

Family Tribute ~

Charles Koteles was born on September 16, 1934 at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit, MI to Charles and Helen Koteles on his Dad's birthday. He had 2 sisters, Betty and Karen. They grew up in Detroit, in the Delray area. They lived on Melville Street, then later moved to 8115 Lane Street. He went to Bennett Elementary School and then to Wilson Middle School and then was accepted to the Henry Ford Trade School. He graduated in 1952, which was the last graduating class from the trade school. He held several different jobs in his childhood, like a paper route, Springwells Bowling Alley and delivered groceries for the Whitehill Supermarket.

After school he went to work at Ford Motor Company. He acquired an apprenticeship in the pattern shop. He decided after his apprenticeship to go work for an independent pattern shop called Sanford Pattern Shop. For the next 19 years he worked for several different pattern shops, ending up at Sherwood Pattern Shop located in Commerce. He also was co-owner for a construction company called Crown Construction for several years. He did work for New York Carpet World and the Ice Box Arena to name a few. Before it got too late he went back to work at Ford so he could secure a pension when he retired.

He also joined the Armed National Guard in his early 20's where he worked in the kitchen and got ranked as high as Sergeant. Chuck bowled at the Beacon Bowling Alley where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Peacock. They married on January 24, 1955. They first lived in a one bedroom upper flat in Ecorse, 66 Salliotte. They then moved to Trenton on Pinetree Road, a 3 bedroom ranch where they made their home and had 4 children, Catherine Ann, Linda Marie, Charles Curtis and Craig Joseph.

They enjoyed several different things like the CB club where they met many good friends. Later on they joined the Shriners which brought more good friends and a busy schedule involving many different events like picnics, balls and the Shrine Circus, to name a few. They also enjoyed traveling, one of their favorite places to go was Myrtle Beach where we all enjoyed a few family vacations. They also built a cottage in St. Helen, MI where the family enjoyed year round sports like boating, water-skiing and snow-mobiling.

Chuck enjoys 9 grandchildren; Heather, Mike, Brad, Jennifer, Jimmy, Danny, Lauren, Brendan and Jacob. He also has 8 great-grandchildren; Ellyana, Madison, Porter, Tyler, Jason, Brock and twins Boston and Brooklynn.