Charles Mecklenburg

Charles L. "Charlie" Mecklenburg, 87, of Lafayette, died at Creasy Springs Healthcare 8:10 AM Friday December 19, 2014 where he had been a patient since June. Charles was born in Lafayette, IN. October 24, 1927, the son of the late Charles L. and Anna Hehl Mecklenburg. He attended St. Boniface School and was a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. Charles married Kathryn J. Gillis in Lafayette June 7, 1952, and she preceded him in death October 4, 2011. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lafayette Aerie 347, which he joined on November 6, 1945 at the age of eighteen years old. During his 69 years as a member, he was a bartender for several years; bar manager, Aerie Trustee for over 20 years; a member of the bingo team for 25 years, and served on several committees, as well as assisting with the Eagles Golf League. Charlie was a very important part of Lafayette Aerie 347's history. He could tell stories about what went on around the club years ago. When you think about it, the Aerie has been in existence for 111 years, and Charlie was a big part of those years, 69 of them. What a legacy to leave for the members to follow. Charlie retired as a supervisor for Haywood Publishing in the Binding Department, retiring in 1990 after 45 years, and had served in the Indiana National Guard. Surviving is a daughter, Mary Anna Grove (husband Chuck) of Lafayette; two sons, Thomas R. Mecklenburg (wife Debbie) and David L. Mecklenburg (wife Tammy) all of Lafayette; 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Kelly, Kim, Beth, Derek, Nikki, Tommy, Dakota, Gizell, Torrin, Jessica, Megan and Erin, along with nine great-grandchildren. The Rosary will be recited at 4:45 PM Monday, followed by visitation from 5 until 7:30 PM, with Lafayette Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles service at 7:30 PM at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St, Lafayette. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday in St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Fr. Eric Underwood officiating. The interment will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery. If friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic School or Lafayette Aerie 347, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com