Charles Edwin Lautner

Charles Edwin Lautner passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 11, 2026. He was 92 years old. Charles was born in Acme Michigan, on November 16, 1933 to Anton and Augusta (Scheidel) Lautner. He was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers, six sisters, their spouses and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Kathleen (Bembeneck) Lautner and his three daughters Kym Lockhart, Cindy (Robert) Ybarra, Rebecca (Scott) Trombley, his grandchildren, Brent, Alex, Ty, Gabriel and Tia, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was an avid hunter, fisherman and rifleman. He was a lifelong member of AmVets, VFW, Eagles, NRA, and the Michigan Bow Hunters Association, earning his ruby pin for shooting a black bear at 80 years old with a bow and arrow. Charles served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Acme, Michigan, where he served as a volunteer firefighter for many years. He worked for Parsons Corporation and was very proud of helping get John Glenn on the moon as he worked on the fuel lines for the Apollo spacecraft.
Charles and Kathleen were founding members of Christ the King Church in Acme. Charles retired from Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department in 1996. He continued to hunt, fish, garden and travel with his wife. On many Saturday nights you would find them dancing to Polka music; often in their living room. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, ready to assist anyone with anything. He will be greatly missed by all: fly high with the angels, Dad, until we meet again, keep heaven smiling.
The memorial visitation will be held at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral home on Tuesday, March 17th from 4-7 pm. Mass will be held at Christ the King Church in Acme on Wednesday, March 18 at 11 am with visitation at 10. Please join us for a luncheon in the church hall immediately following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Church in Acme, AmVets Post #114 of Elk Rapids or Hospice of Michigan.