Charles H. Fonde

Charles “Chuck” Henry Fonde passed away at home on February 29, 2024. Chuck was born on October 17, 1950, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, home of his beloved Michigan Wolverines. He is survived by his wife Linda, whom he was married to for almost 50 years, his children Ben (A.K.A. Shubert McTubert) Fonde (Katy) and Megan (A.K.A. Megalopolacious) Fonde (Mike Clements), and 5 adored grandchildren:  Charlie and Lilah Fonde and Cate, Sam, and Jolene Clements. He is also survived by his two sisters, Julia Fonde Davis and Anne Fonde Potter (Bill). Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Edith Fonde, his brother Mark Fonde, and his sister Karen Fonde.

Chuck attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in Natural Resources.  He eventually moved to Indiana, where he began his career in Information Technology.  Along the way, he attended Indiana University, where he obtained a master’s degree in business administration.

One of Chuck’s greatest pleasures was hanging out with his family. He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in their many activities, and especially loved watching Michigan football games with his son, daughter, and their families. “Hail to the Victors” and “Go Blue” were phrases often heard on football Saturdays, and really all year long in the Fonde household. The last Michigan football game he ever watched ended in a national championship for the maize and blue.  

Chuck enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. He and Linda especially loved visiting our national parks. Of the 63 national parks in the United States, they were able to visit 60 of them!  To Chuck, there was nothing better than hiking all day and taking photographs of the splendor and beauty he encountered along the way. He was a very talented amateur photographer, and visitors to his and Linda’s home were always in awe of the beautiful vistas and wildlife he captured.

When Chuck wasn’t traveling or watching football, he could often be found in his garage workshop building furniture or working on home projects. He developed a love of working with his hands when he was young, and it became a lifelong hobby. He was creative and smart, and there was nothing he couldn’t fix or build. After he retired, he even renovated an entire house that had fallen into disrepair.

Chuck was well known for his great sense of humor and the funny stories he would tell, especially about himself. Amid raucous laughter, he would regale his family with tales of the many hilarious exploits he had throughout his life, with a certain self-deprecating delivery that is impossible to replicate. One of his best stories, known fondly as the “motorcycle story” has made family members laugh for many years.

In October of 2022 Chuck was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive type of brain cancer. At that time, he was given 12 months to live. By nature, Chuck was a fighter and a survivor and vowed to beat the odds. Chuck underwent the standard treatment of care for this disease, but in June 2023, the tumor was back. He then elected to enter a clinical trial at Northwestern University. He had two important goals. First, he wanted to extend his life in order to meet his newest grandchild, who was due to be born sometime in January 2024.  Secondly, he wanted to participate in some way to help doctors and scientists find a cure for this deadly disease. Through sheer willpower and strength, Chuck succeeded on both counts.  

Chuck was an intense person, and he carried this intensity over to his love of family and friends.  There was never anything he wouldn’t do for his wife, children, grandchildren, or friends, and everyone that interacted with him benefited because of it. It was very difficult for Chuck towards the end to leave this life and his loved ones behind, however he knows that his family will never forget him and will ensure his legacy lives on. The fact that he has so many loved ones to leave behind is a testament to the type of man he was, and proof that we’ve lost a great one.

Chuck’s family would like to thank everyone who contributed to his care over the past year and a half. Glioblastoma is a terrible, complicated disease, and the doctors, nurses, hospice workers, and home healthcare workers were invaluable in easing Chuck’s burdens and giving his family the space to enjoy their last days with him.

*A private memorial will be held for Chuck.*

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations: