The. Rev. Charles L. Manker

God has called one of His messengers home.  The Rev. Charles L. “Chuck” Manker, 91, a longtime Petoskey resident and former Pastor of the Petoskey United Methodist Church, passed peacefully at Hiland Cottage on Friday evening, February 17, 2017, surrounded by family.

Chuck was born on August 9, 1925 in Ellsworth, Michigan to the late Bernard and Lila (Cairns) Manker.  He attended Hastings High School, graduating in 1942 at age 16.  A classic overachiever, he had four college degrees; a Bachelor of Theology from Indiana Wesleyan University, a Bachelor of Arts from Asbury University, a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Divinity from Drew University (graduating Cum Laude.)

He loved music all of his life and began singing on the radio at age 12 with his brothers in the Manker Trio.  Chuck started preaching at age 17 and spent 5 ½ years traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada on evangelistic crusades for over 20 denominations.

Chuck served as Pastor of United Methodist Churches in Traverse City, MI (1959-63), Portage, MI (1963-68) and Marshall, MI (1968-70) where he built new churches and increased memberships.  In 1970 he moved to Petoskey where he was Pastor until 1975.

After retiring from the ministry in 1975, Chuck began a successful real estate career, acquiring rental properties and founding Century 21 Manker Associates, which he sold in 1987.  He was also a Licensed Social Worker and was a part-time instructor of philosophy and religion at NCMC.

He loved to sing, enjoyed playing golf (shot his age 18 times with 2 holes in one), sports, gardening, and flying as a private pilot.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lorie; brothers, Roy and Wes; and a sister, Mae.  He is survived a brother, Bernie; four sons, Mark, Matt, Mike and Marty; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Chuck’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  The family has chosen to delay a memorial service until summer so that family and friends who winter elsewhere may attend.  Service arrangements are pending and will be announced later.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Petoskey First United Methodist Church.  Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com