Obituaries

Charles D. Goeschel, better known as Chuck, age 61 of Brimley, Michigan, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 109 P.M. June 1st, 2023 at University Of Michigan Health Center following a short illness. He was born March 10th, 1962 to Gordon & Mary Goeschel of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.

Chuck graduated from Sault Area High School Class of 1980, then went on to follow in his father's footsteps working on the Soo Line Railroad. During his 25 years on the railroad, he worked as a switch man, brakeman conducter, and finally as a locomotive engineer. Chuck also worked for Canadian Pacific, Wisconsin Central, and retired in 2006 from Canadian National Railroad.

Chuck was known throughout the railroad community as one of the very best, being famous for his uncanny ability to connect rail cars in the train without as much as a bump.

Chuck loved the outdoors, and spent his free time hunting and fishing throughout the area. He lived to deer hunt, and amassed an incredible collection of bucks shot over the years.

Chuck had excellent rifle marksmanship, winning many medals over the years in both State and National competitions, and continued to use those skills throughout his life. He loved collecting and working on antique snowmobiles, and he loved his John Deere tractors. He was a lifelong Ford truck owner and fanatic, refusing to drive or own any other brand.

Chuck met the love of his life April Lehl in St. Paul, Minnesota in September of 1986 while working on the railroad. They were married on August 20, 1994 in Sault Ste Marie, MI.

Chuck’s greatest love was his family, enjoying his grandchildren and spending time with them. Chuck was a proud man, who believed in God, his family, and traditions as he knew it. His family will miss him greatly for the way he especially loved each one.

Chuck is survived by his wife April, children Carla Watson, Mary (Joe) Picotte, Chuck Jr. (Ashley) Goeschel, daughter Natasha Halonen, Brother Gordon (Lavon) Goeschel, and sister Marilyn Goeschel Mackie. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, with his 2 youngest Clare and Charlie having a very special bond with him; he was also anxiously awaiting the arrival of 2 Grandson’s, due to be born in June and July of 2023, a special niece Tracy Baker- Cormier and many other nieces and nephews.

Chuck is preceded in death by his Father & Mother Gordon and Mary Goeschel, sisters Diane Floyd and Beth Boivert, and two nephews Ronald Floyd and Gordon William Goeschel.

Visitation will be held at Fundamental Baptist Church in Kinross, MI on Saturday June 17th from 1-3, with funeral following at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Camp Canaanland Bible Camp via Fundamental Baptist Church.