Albert B. Startup

Albert B. Startup, 96, of Charlotte passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, September 11, 2020.
Al was born July 1, 1924, in Royal Oak. Immediately after high school, in 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Soon after enlisting in the Navy, the country became involved in World War II. During his time in the Navy, Al served in the submarine service and participated in battles fought in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1945, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. Soon after his discharge, he joined the Naval Reserves and was selected for active duty at the Great Lakes Electronics Laboratories. Upon being relieved of active service duty in the Navy a second time, Al joined the United States Army where he served his country for an additional 17 years. After retiring from the Army, Al worked for Owens Illinois for an additional 26 years, until his retirement in 1989. In addition, Al maintained and farmed the family farm from 1962 until 1989.
On November 25, 1952, he married the love of his life, Maudie Irene Lake in Battle Creek. Together, Al and Maudie were blessed with three children and nearly 68 years of marriage. By all accounts, Al was a gifted man that possessed many talents; he obtained his pilot’s license and captain’s license, served on the Olivet School Board, amongst countless other accomplishments. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, gardening and travel. Al was baptized and was a member of the Lee Center United Methodist Church in Olivet.
Al is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Maudie; Children: Charles Startup of Charlotte, Susan (David) Hiler of Lawrence; Grandchildren: Alena M. Clark of Flushing, Amanda (Joe) Richards of Vicksburg, and Benjamin Wierenga of Lawrence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Charles Zwayer, and his son, Michael K. Startup in 1980.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at the Lee Center United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. James Gysel officiating. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Al’s memory to the Lee Center United Methodist Church, 23058 21 Mile Rd., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view’s Al’s obituary online or leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.