Charles D. Alanko

Charles D. Alanko

GLADSTONE — Charles D. Alanko, age 92, of Gladstone passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Charles was born September 13, 1931, in Rock, Mich., the son of Charles and Maida (Hoppe) Alanko. Charles met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Tardiff, in Gladstone, and they were united in marriage on November 20, 1954. Together, they shared 65 years of wonderful memories. He served his country in the United States Army from August 13, 1952 to August 13, 1954.  He worked for the Mead Paper Company for 37 years operating heavy equipment in the woodyard, retiring in 1993. Charles enjoyed spending time at his camp in Rock, which bordered the property he was raised on.  Charles shot his last buck at the age of 91.  Charles also enjoyed working in the woods, cutting firewood, and playing golf.  Most days you would find him and Mary on the golf course until his eyesight prevented him from joining her.

Charles is survived by his sons, Scott (Geri) Alanko and Tracy Alanko; his daughters, Lynn (Mike) Reese, Kathy Macki, Michelle (Rick) Hansen and Cindy (Dave) Anderson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Lenards, Heather (Mike) Smith, April (Tom) Dahlin, Scott (Jaimie) Reese, Ann (Shayne) Sanville, Jeremy (Anne) Shope, Joshua (Kaitlyn) Shope, Jeff (Susana) Niles, Nicole (Christian) Schweitzer, Ryan (Arlene) Padilla, Erin (Tiyler Messer) Padilla, Rachelle (Adam) Esquibel, Jessica Mackie, Kathleen (A.J.) Stebbins, Donnie Alanko, and Tracy Alanko; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild on the way; sister, Mary Lou Armstrong and numberous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Robert (Maureen) Tardiff, and sisters-in-law, Joanne (John) Tardiff and Barb (Fred) Pfeister.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen; his parents; his sister, Mildred (Robert) Korstange; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 1, from 2 to 3:45 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at 3:45 p.m. by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. Funeral services will follow at 4 p.m. A luncheon will be served at the Gladstone American Legion.  Charles will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

To leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.