Charles Palmateer   (Counselor - South Intermediate School)
1944 - 2014

Charles "Chuck" S. Palmateer, 70, of Petoskey, passed away at his Walloon Lake home on March 10, 2014 with Brenda, his wife of 45 years by his side. Chuck was born January 5, 1944, in Yale, MI, to Glenford and Phyllis (Kalbfleisch) Palmateer. Chuck graduated from Yale High School in 1962. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1966, a master's degree in Counseling, 1968, both from Central Michigan University. He worked his way through college as a mason and brick layer on several dorms on campus.

He began his career as a guidance counselor, in 1968, for Saginaw Public Schools. In 1976, he received his masters in social work from the University of Michigan. He worked as a counselor and a social worker with the Saginaw Public Schools for thirty two years. Chuck was a true student advocate, and a strong supporter of the YMCA, serving on the advisory board. Chuck started Palmateer Construction, Inc. in Saginaw in 1970. For over 35 years he operated the masonry company. During those years, he trained many young men to become skilled masons, but he was most honored to have had his two son's work with him and learn the trade. He was a firm believer in "quality" work which became the Palmateer Construction, Inc. company motto, "Quality is our Foundation."

Chuck was a member, volunteer, and supporter of Habitat for Humanity. Chuck lived a life on Christian belief, hard work, and responsibility. He was an avid athlete. He especially enjoyed golf and was most delighted with his Hole-In-One while a member at Bay City Country Club. He often told others that one of his greatest coaching accomplishments in his life was to teach his wife, the drama major, how to water ski, snow ski, and golf. He enjoyed reading and discussing books about history, business, and politics. He was so proud to watch both sons graduate from Hope College, and to watch his grandchildren and their activities. He counted himself blessed to have been able to enjoy "up north" with them.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda; sons, Steven Charles (Karen), Seth Lee (Daniza); grandchildren, Matthew, Joel Charles, Abigail, Sofia, and Emma all of Holland, MI; one sister, Sharon Gonzales of Seminole, FL; brothers, Glenford (Marion), of Clare, Harold (Linda), Tim (Traci), and Tom of Yale, Donald (Rose), and James (Pam), of North Street; two special cousins, David Palmateer, Bay City, and Mark Lindahl, of Iron River; and wonderful friend and fellow Detroit Tiger fan, Joe Bommaritto of Saginaw and Walloon Lake. Chuck attended Trinity Missionary Church in Petoskey, and was a member of the Petoskey Bay View Country Club.