Charles Joseph Wila Jr, age 87 of Dorr, died at home Tuesday, Nov. 19.
After graduating from Catholic Central High School, Charles led an adventurous life. He became a self-employed carpenter with many talents. They included woodworking, gardening, solving jigsaw puzzles, deer hunting, and smelt-dipping in the U.P., playing solitaire until the cards were worn out, watching the Detroit Lions giving their best game, and donating his time and woodworking talent to St. Stanislaus School and Church. However, his love was of his family, especially grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Nowak) Wila; children Marie (Randy) Davis, Donna (Chuck) Snell, Donald (MaryBeth) Wila, and Anita (Kevin) Lincoln; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Lucille Pawloski; brother-in-law, Jack Tompkins; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his daughters Karen Wila and Margaret Wila; parents Charles and Victoria Wila; brother, Edmund (Rosalie) Wila; in-laws John and Elizabeth Nowak, Anthony Pawloski, Evelyn (Bernard) Rybicki, John (Mary) Nowak, Charlene (Arthur) Burns, and Betty Tompkins.
Visitation with relatives and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with Rosary at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, at Kubiak-Cook (Dorr Chapel), 4330 18th St. A celebration mass of Charles’ life will commence 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1871 136th Ave., Dorr. Father Derda will be officiating.
In honor of Charles and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Stanislaus School.
