Charles Plath

Charles D. “Charlie” Plath Charles David “Charlie” Plath age 72, of Sheridan, Michigan, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024 at Corewell Health-Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. The son of Donald Richard & Helen Elizabeth (Spicer) Plath, he was born on March 19, 1951 in Carson City, Michigan. On March 7, 1970 he married Valerie Kay Moore and together they raised three children and enjoyed nearly 54 years of marriage. A proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Charlie worked for Total Petroleum and other trucking companies for nearly 35 years, finally “retiring” so he could then focus on turning his hobby of woodworking and small construction projects to yet another career. You would be hard pressed to find a finer, more meticulous craftsman. Charlie also worked together with his wife, Valerie, on many projects from home renovations and building their own homes to rescuing and restoring furniture pieces. Charlie’s craftsmanship was well known and highly sought after. He was always the first to lend a helping hand and enjoyed teaching others the many skills he had mastered. In his spare time, Charlie loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed fishing, camping, going for drives, classic car shows and laughing with and loving his grandchildren. Charlie fought ALS with quiet strength and courage. That is also the way he lived his life. He loved his family above all else and worked hard to set the example for his children and grandchildren on how to live a life of substance and joy. In the words of Charlie’s granddaughter – “You are the foundation that our family was built on; strong, loving, patient, and always kind. I will never forget the way that you selflessly loved our family.” He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tommy Plath; and a brother-in-law, Richard Bohen. Surviving are his wife, Valerie Plath of Sheridan; their children, Stacy Bragg, Ken & Hattie Plath, Nate & Edna Plath, grandchildren, JennaKae, Lucas, Trystan, Tavin, Tatym, Olivia, Emmett, Oliver, Owen and Violet; two sisters and three brothers; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Charlie’s life from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Timbers Event Center, 7033 S. Sheridan Road (M-66), Sheridan, Michigan 48884. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place and final interment will be in Evergreen Township Cemetery near Sheridan. Instead of flowers, Charlie would have appreciated contributions in his memory to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation (https://www.susanmastals.org/). To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Charlie’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Plath, please visit our flower store.