He was born Feb. 28, 1926, in Elkhart to Max W. and Martha M. (Rosenau) DuCharme. He married Sherri Checkley on Nov. 3, 1974, in Indianapolis.

She survives along with five daughters, Sandra J. (Wayne) Russell of Normandy, Tenn., Kathryn E. (Mark) Mow of Elkhart, Ind., Roberta C. (Robert) Thomas of Lowell, Ind., Dr. Lori (Steve Hodges) Checkley of Cassopolis and Lisa (Mike) Needham of Niles; two sons, Robert W. (Beverly) DuCharme Jr. of Coldwater and Steven Checkley of Cassopolis; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Loraine Ayrea of California, June Klinefelter of Roseville and Rosetta Hummer of Elkhart.

Mr. DuCharme was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Watson.

There will be no visitation or funeral. A pre-memorial celebration of life has taken place. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, assisted the family with arrangements.

Mr. DuCharme worked at CTS Corp., Elkhart, as a production coordinator for 26 years. He was a member of the UAW and a World War II veteran who served in Panama with the military police guarding German prisoners of war.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Heartland Home Healthcare and Hospice, 8075 Creekside Drive, Suite 120, Portage, MI 49024 or Cass County Animal Shelter, 323 M-62 N., Cassopolis, MI 49031. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.