Charles Alfred “Charlie” Schultz, 87, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at The Orchards, formerly Altercare. He was born October 14, 1938, in Langdon, North Dakota, the son of Alfred and Violet (Eckart) Schultz.

Charlie grew up in Caro and Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and lived the majority of his adult life in Big Rapids, where he was a beloved coworker, neighbor, and friend to many. Over the decades, Charlie’s warm, witty presence was a fixture of the Big Rapids community.

In the 1980s and 90s, Charlie won many medals and trophies in Area 5’s Special Olympics for softball, swimming, horseshoes, and bowling, of which he was rightly proud. He worked for MOARC in Paris for over 25 years, including on the Pioneer’s print line, among other craftsman jobs.

Overcoming many obstacles, he studied hard to earn his high school diploma as an adult, and he remained an avid reader throughout the rest of his life, studying immense volumes on Michigan history, U.S. presidents, and classical literature. Charlie was also a writer himself, composing original poetry and stories from his life.

A consummate hobbyist, Charlie loved attending old car shows, watching Tiger baseball, painting, and old movies. He was a cherished member of the Trinity Fellowship Church congregation for many years, and in his retirement, he loved to ride his electric scooter up and down the sidewalks of downtown Big Rapids, where he became a favorite patron and neighbor.

Charlie was a dedicated learner and a student of life with an astonishing memory and a tender heart. He was loved by all who knew him.

Charlie is survived by his younger brother, Jerrie (Donna Robinson) Schultz, his close cousin Don (Jean) Schultz, nieces Kristin (Brian) Hardy and Katrina (Blake) McDonagh, his best friend and Tigers fan, Kevin Chipman, and his longtime advocate and friend, Ruth Ann Steele. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronnie and sister-in-law Heidi Schultz, sister-in-law Mary Jo Schultz, and nephew Kurtis Schultz.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on November 6, 2026, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Trinity Fellowship Church in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Area 5 Special Olympics. Care and arrangements are entrusted to Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids.