Chuckie Detzler III

Charles "Chuckie" Detzler III was a child of boundless joy who delighted his family with his energy, curiosity, determination, and love. For all his interests and accomplishments at such a young age, Chuckie seemed mature beyond his years and destined for great things. As if grabbing life from his first breath, Chuckie lived life to the fullest.

Chuckie had a challenging start to life as the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around his neck during birth. What relief and joy for his parents, Chuck and Valerie (Smith) Detzler, when Chuckie was born safely at 12:30 PM on June 26, 2002 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He weighed in a hefty 9 lbs. 14 ozs. Despite the trauma of his birth he was a healthy, beautiful, baby boy. "All boy from day one," said his dad. And just as happy were his older sisters Stephanie and Vanessa who watched and helped him grow into a boy who was both vigorous and, according to his mother, "patient beyond his years."

What better place for a spirited little boy to grow up than on ten acres of farmland. Chuckie could explore his "boyhood" in so many ways: catching his first fish from the pond, playing with a ride on construction equipment in the enormous sand box his dad built, or heading off for adventure with his buddies, Fred and Sandy the family dogs. As youngest in the family, Chuckie capitalized on the privilege it afforded him as well as the experience he gained from his older sisters. Chuckie looked up to Vanessa immensely. Whatever she was doing, he watched every move and wanted to do as she was doing. So naturally when Vanessa started to ride the bus for school, Chuckie wanted to ride also. His mother knew that wasn't practical, but she was able to work out with the bus driver a little ride that took him and Mom a short way to the next stop. This became part of Chuckie's daily regiment. Another routine of the day was Chuckie getting up in the morning and only wanting to be with Mom. There was no negotiating. Everyone knew it was "mom time first" and then the rest of the family. Similarly, Chuckie knew just when dad came home from work. He would run to the end of the driveway to ride in the truck and then help Dad park it. This was a natural end to Chuckie's "workday". If it was a day his dad was in the barn, that's where Chuckie would be with his tool belt, standing ready to assist Dad with the project of the day.

No wonder Bob the Builder was a favorite show for Chuckie. It captured his attention and his curiosity to learn. But, either he outgrew the character or the show had taught him what all he wanted to know, because one day he just he decided he had seen enough and moved on to something else. Chuckie's new favorite, far and away, was Spiderman. With his confident personality and Spiderman's skills, Chuckie could take on the world. So he developed Spiderman's wrist movements exactly because, as everyone knows, Spiderman shoots his webs from his wrists. Chuckie even mimicked the "whew-hoo!" perfectly.

Next on Chuckie's exploration list was sports. He was especially gaining interest in hockey. Why not? It was his legacy. His dad and uncles had played hockey in school. Chuckie's mom and dad had already bought him a pair of rollerblades and he was looking forward to learning how to use them. Whatever other toys were in Chuckie's collection probably came from Grandma Joni. Because of her legendary garage "sale-ing" skills, she kept Chuckie overstocked with all the toys a boy could want. How could she resist such a playful, loving child who was full of hugs. Big hugs, not just a squeeze. When Chuckie wanted a hug it meant a full BEAR HUG embrace. That was the best!

Chuckie Detzler truly embraced his young life vigorously and loved his family enormously. The saddened hearts of his father, mother, sisters, and all his cherished family are full of the deep, deep love they have for their dear, remarkable Chuckie.

Chuckie Detzler III, age 3, died accidentally Friday August 26, 2005 at his home. Chuckie was born June 26, 2002 in

Kalamazoo

the son of Chuck and Valerie Detzler. Learn more about Chuckie, view his Life Story Film, and visit with his family and friends Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, Stadium Drive West of US-131, 375-2900, where a service to honor his life will be held Thursday 11:00 AM. Chuckie was an energetic young boy who liked sports, pretending he was Spiderman and most of all liked being with his family. He was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses Vicksburg Congregation. Chuckie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Joni Detzler. He is survived by his parents, Chuck and Valerie Detzler of Fulton; two sisters: Stephanie (Dave) Wethington of Otsego and Vanessa Detzler of Fulton; his grandparents, Floyd (Carol) Smith Sr. of Plainwell; seven aunts and uncles: Melodye (Chris) Razmus of Portage, Clifford (Rhonda Imlar) Smith of Parchment, Randy Smith of Portage, Becky (Tim Collins) Curtis of Vicksburg, Floyd (Casey) Smith Jr. of Saranac, MI, Brent Detzler of Scotts, and Kurt (Toby) Detzler of Pensacola, FL; and several great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins and his spiritual family. Read Chuckie's complete Life Story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Jehovah's Witnesses Vicksburg congregation, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com