CHARLES WILLIAM CROSS

Charles William Cross (Bill), age 92, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Medilodge of Alpena.

Charles was born Dec. 30, 1931, in Ludington, to the late Ralph Sr. and Alice (Beadle) Cross in a commercial fishing family. On Nov. 26, 1952, he married Donna Louise Farmer in Charlevoix. She preceded him in death on July 3, 2021. He served in the United States Navy from 1951 – 1955. He was recruited as the first Captain of the DNR Research Vessel “Chinook” working through the DNR Great Lakes Fisheries Station, Alpena, and served for 27 years until his retirement in 1996. Upon retirement from the State of Michigan, Bill, not one to sit around, went to work driving thousands of miles all across Michigan delivering new vehicles, and giving rides locally for customers of Cliff Anschuetz Chevrolet. Bill enjoyed the many people he met, and the stories told along the way.

Surviving are his three daughters, Catherine “Kitty” (Jeff) Glomski, Virginia “Gina” Marzean, Gayle (Barry) Gilbertson; four granddaughters, Holly Glomski, Dana Glomski, Corrine Gilbertson, and Andrea Gilbertson.

Charles was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Cross Jr. (Bruz); son-in-law, Michael Marzean; and infant brother, Theodore Cross.

Memorial visitation will take place Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Bannan Funeral Home from noon until the memorial service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Mary Hughes officiating. Military honors will be accorded him by Alpena V.F.W. Post 2496.

Inurnment: Evergreen Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, “Summer in the Sanctuary”, kids’ program, 500 W. Fletcher Street, Alpena, MI 49707, which teaches children all about the Great Lakes or the Alpena Senior Citizens Center, 501 River Street, Alpena, MI, 49707.