Charles Sanders

Frankenmuth, MI

From the Halls of Montezuma To the Shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles In the air, on land and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine. (Marine Corps Hymn verse 1)

Husband, father, grandpa, friend…Marine. Charles T. Sanders born November 8th, 1929 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully, April 15th at Wellspring in Frankenmuth. Surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, goodbyes were said, tears shed but peace in knowing he was back with the love of his life, Dixie who proceeded him in 2008.

Charles' kindness, smile and stories made him a favorite anywhere he was at. Whether it was working as a carpenter, working at Zehnder's or volunteering at Wellspring, he lit up the room and made everyone around him a better person. From his countless Marine stories, to the pride he had for his family, to the small joys of sitting on his front porch with his lotto tickets, listening to Adele, Charles was simply Charles. A constant sign of kindness and peace in a world that was changing all around him.  Charles kept true to who he was his entire life forged by love, hard work, loyalty and as he always said, "Being A badass Marine."

Charles is survived by his six children, their spouses, children and grandchildren.  Oldest son Chuck (Vanessa) Sanders, (Sherry Sanders, Chuck's first wife proceeded him), children Charlie Sanders (wife Jenny children Madison and Charlie), Danielle Beyerlein (husband Jeff, children Bella and Beau), daughter Christin Tenbush (husband Randy, children Abigail and Tessa), son Nathan Newbold. Daughter Lee (John) Jekel, children Heather, John and Scott. Daughter Lou (Tim) Miller, children Jacob Miller (wife Erica, children Aiden, Ava and Hudson), and and Sarah Marlowe (husband Hayden). Son Matt (Crystal) Sanders, children Mathew Sanders (wife Devin and son Oden), Kirsten Herrera (husband Jordan, children Layla, Deklan, and Hazel), Stephen Sanders (wife Jamie, children Emmett and Blakely) and Dillon (significant other Kinzy). Son Mark (Cindy) Sanders, children Shane Sanders (wife Aria, son Jett and soon to be Levi), and Brooke Bernthal (husband Jacob, children Ekoe and August). Youngest daughter Beth (Mark) Beyer, daughter Quinn (fiancé Brenden Peterson).

Memorial service will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Frankenmuth Bible Church, 210 S. Main St., Frankenmuth, Michigan. Pastor Jordan Herrera will officiate. Charles' family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Wellspring Lutheran Services, Frankenmuth.