All Obituaries

Charles Alan Koetje, age 72, of McBain passed from this earthly life and into glory on April 8, 2025 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was born on December 28, 1952 in Cadillac, MI to Wilbert and Pearl (Bode) Koetje.

Chuck graduated from Northern Michigan Christian school in 1971. On May, 4, 1974 he married the love of his life, Nancy Zuiderveen. She preceded him in death on May 5, 2010.

Chuck and Nancy were truly the best of friends and did everything together. They raised their 4 children on the dairy farm and taught them to love Jesus and work hard. Many local restaurants also helped raise the Koetje kids as they frequented the Kountry Kitchen and the Fireside Inn.

Chuck enjoyed hunting, Canada fishing trips, driving tractor for local farms, and helping the boys with all of their projects or welding needs. He could be found at his grandchildren’s sporting events, having coffee at Kelley’s with his friends and every Saturday morning at Becky’s house for breakfast.

He is survived by his mother, Pearl Koetje and his children and their spouses: Becky and Scott Voelker, Charley and Jamie Koetje, Nathan and Nikki Koetje, Aaron and Nicole Koetje; Grandchildren: Dylan and Emily Rodenbaugh, Morgan and Kyle Cherry, Chance Rodenbaugh and Brittany Hoekwater, Pearl Voelker, Lachlan, Sutton, and Creighton Koetje; Mason, Weston, Bryson and Wynston Charles Koetje; Alden, Hudson, and Maggie Koetje, great grandsons-Jayden and Declan Rodenbaugh, Brooks and Leland Cherry, Easton and Axel Rodenbaugh and Tripp and Trayson Hoekwater, his special friend Mary Schierbeek ,brother Michael (Christina) Koetje and sister Gayla (Joe) Hoekwater.

In-Laws—Hubert Zuiderveen, April Zuiderveen, Jerry (Bev) Zuiderveen, and Joyce (Larry) Potter as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his father Wilbert Koetje, brother-in-law Larry Zuiderveen and sister-in-law Martha Zuiderveen and great-grandson Dalton Rodenbaugh.

Chuck will be missed deeply by his family and friends, but we are assured that he is in heaven and reunited with Nancy. Visitation will be held at Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain, Friday, April 11 from 5-8p.m, with the funeral held at The Grove Church 3815 S Morey Road, Lake City, MI on Saturday, April 12 at 2p.m with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at the Richland Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Grove Church or Northern Michigan Christian School.

The family is being served by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain. Thoughts and prayers can be expressed to the family by visiting the online obituary at burkholderfamilyfuneralhome.com