Charles Frederick Hiipakka, 89 of Manistee, was called to the Lord on Thursday October 14, 2021. Heaven was his home; he was just here to visit.
Charlie was born October 8, 1932, in Kaleva, Michigan to the late Alfred and Lempi (Junnikkala) Hiipakka.
Charlie married the love of his life, Kay Gunnersen on August 5, 1960 in Manistee. They shared 59 years together before Kay's passing on February 15, 2020.
Charlie was a very humble man. He was an artist, craftsman, and avid reader. He had a wickedly dry sense of humor. Charlie also had a love for the outdoors and birdwatching. He was employed by PCA for 34 years.
Charlie is survived by his children, Margot (Shawn) Gillespie, Charlie Jr. (Amber) Hiipakka, Linda Bjorkquist, Bobette (Gilbert) Oosterink, and his daughter-in-law Linda Baker. His grandchildren, Stevie (Brent) Johnson, Shannon (Logan) Patrick; Savannah (Cory) Cabot, Georgia, and Ginger Hiipakka; Nathan (Leeann) and Jeremy Whitmer; Chad (Amanda) Whitmer; Castle Oosterink; Jennifer Colby, Kelly Wilson, and Katie Gray. His great grandchildren, Jade Gillespie; Charlie, Frankie, and Georgie Ann Patrick; Kaden Whitmer; Abbie, CJ, Breanna, Gracie Marie, Chad Jr., Gracie Lauren, and Morgan Whitmer; Nicholas Keys; Jaxson and Jacob Gray, his sisters-in-law Margie Morang and BeeZee Guenthardt, his cousin Loretta Staff, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlie was also preceded in death by a son Jerry Whitmer, daughter Sherie Ann Whitmer-Hamlin, and infant sons, Robert 'Butch' Whitmer, Steven and Donald Hiipakka; sister and brother-in-law Elaine and Art Somsel.
Military Graveside Services will be held on Saturday October 23, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Manistee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St., Manistee, MI 49660.
Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements were made by the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.