Ishpeming- Charles Michael "Chuck" Dix, 68, longtime Ishpeming resident passed away unexpectedly from natural causes Sunday afternoon, January 21, 2024.

Chuck was born April 24, 1955, in Houghton, Michigan, to start what evolved into the loving family of Susan (Laitinen) Dix and the late Charles Dix. He graduated from Ishpeming High School, the Class of 1973. After high school, he went to Ferris State College and later transferred and earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan Tech University.

He went on to start his family with his former spouse Debbie (Perala) Chinn and despite their differences they were able to put them aside and remain friends and be simultaneously active in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The impact this has had on their sons' lives and handling differences with others has been meaningful, empowering, and appreciated.

In 1984, Chuck started working at their family-owned pharmacy Morrison's Drug Store. After 10 years of being self-resourceful and learning about the pharmaceutical industry and being mentored by his father Charlie, who was a registered pharmacist, he became a partner of the pharmacy with his mother and father along with his brother Mike. The partnership allowed for the legacy of Morrison's Drug Store to continue to another generation where Chuck was still committed to his partnership at the time of his passing.

Chuck was an all-around athlete in his younger years and selflessly gave up playing in different men's leagues to dedicate his time to sharpen his son John's athletic talents. His commitment to be a positive role model to not only his sons but to all youth he encountered was demonstrated by his 20-year dedication to coaching young athletes participating in the Negaunee Little League.

If you knew Chuck, you knew he could build something out of nothing. With very little help, he transformed the family camp from a small box of what would be referred to as "camp," into a beautiful home overlooking the sunsets on the Dead River Basin. Again, he made sure to share his carpentry skill and talent with his son Phil to prepare him for his future endeavor. Chuck was always ready to insert himself as the 'foreman' on any project.

Chuck is survived by his wife Donna; two sons John (Jill) Dix of Negaunee and Philip (Sarah) Dix of Negaunee; his mother Susan Dix of Ishpeming; four grandchildren Thomas and Charles Dix and Lydia and Louis Dix; two brothers Michael (Debbie) Dix of Punta Gorda, Florida and Timothy (Diane) Dix of Negaunee; two sisters Cindy (Jerry) Zaiki of Almont, Michigan and Julie (George) Patrick of Grayslake, Illinois; his brother-in-law's Mike Rogers of Pennsylvania; David (Janell) Rogers of Rockford, Michigan, and Jim Rogers of Lake City, Michigan; special friends Greg "Cheetah" and Linda Quayle, Bill and Nancy Scarffe, and Mike and Julie Rivord; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Chuck will be greatly missed by his buddy boy Patches.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Marie Nelson; special cousin Ted "Butchy" Laitinen; his special niece Addison Perala; and several aunts and uncles.

There are many words to describe Chuck but the most appropriate has been the common theme throughout this tribute   selflessness. He always made sure everyone was okay and often put others before himself. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his family and friends, and he truly loved each of them   if you knew him, you knew it.

Chuck's family will greet relatives and friends at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ishpeming on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 pm with Fr. Christian Flagstadt as celebrant. A dinner will follow in the church hall.

Chuck's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.