Edwin W. Chalker, 90, of Kalkaska, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center L.T.C. Born on September 7, 1918 in Crawford County, he was the son of the late Stephen E. and Anna (Vallad) Chalker.
Edwin was a veteran of WWII serving our country in the US Army in New Guinea and the Philippines. He attended Western Michigan University and earned a B.S. in physical education and social science. Edwin married Ann E. Niess on November 12, 1942 in Kalamazoo. They moved to Kalkaska in 1946 where Edwin was better known as "Coach". He was a well known and loved teacher, basketball coach, and baseball coach at Kalkaska High School from 1946-1980. Edwin was mayor of the Village of Kalkaska for 32 years and was instrumental in procuring funding to install the sewer system in the village.
He enjoyed working with boys and girls and helped many learn to swim and play baseball under his direction during the Summer Recreation Program. Edwin also initiated the Little League baseball program in Kalkaska County and coached little leaguers for many summers. He loved playing basketball, baseball and softball as well as coaching these sports. Edwin was well known in adult softball as an expert pitcher. He refereed many high school basketball games, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association honored him with a plaque in appreciation of twenty years as a dedicated athletic official for Michigan High Schools.
Surviving Edwin is his devoted wife of 66 years Ann; his loving daughters Charlene (Jerry) Chalker-Brinkert of Allegan and Dawn (Peter Solenberger) Chalker of Ypsilanti; and his precious grandchildren Briana Chalker and Benjamin Chalker-Brinkert.
Edwin was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Fern Campbell.
Visitation will be on Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 3-8 p.m. at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday with visitation 1 hour prior at the People's Church with Pastor Douglas Coone officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Chalker Park, 200 Hyde Street, Kalkaska, MI 49646 or to the People's Church, P.O. Box 562, Kalkaska, MI 49646. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.
