Charles “Chuck” Edward Lea

Charles “Chuck” Edward Lea was born on August 2, 1950 and passed away peacefully with family by his side, on August 30, 2021. He was a proud member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, originating in the state of Washington. Chuck was the beloved husband to Debbie for 52 years, but their relationship began blossoming many years ago, at the young age of 15. He is survived by his children, Travis (Lisa) Lea and Stacey (Mike) Mroczkowski; grandchildren, Brenna, Trenton and Evelyn; as well as his siblings, Don Zauner Lea and Kathleen McCoy; and nieces and nephews, Justin McCoy and Megan West, among many others. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. Lea and Mary Jane Smith; mother- and father-in-law, Jack and Joan Hine; sister-in-law, Jill Braden Lea and brother-in-law, Douglas McCoy.
Chuck was the co-owner of Bird Watcher’s Marketplace that opened on Plainfield Avenue in 1995, which quickly expanded into online sales in the early days of the internet. Grand Rapids Business Journal once wrote an article on Chuck’s Marketplace and the technology he used. He was passionate about selling the right products to his customers. He had an incredible sales pitch that worked on just about anyone, as he was a natural born salesman, not to mention his infectious smile and kind personality that went along with it. Chuck loved all things nature, birds, home and garden shows and anything outdoorsy. He enjoyed camping and being involved with the cub scouts, gardening, dad jokes, and cat rescuing and adopting through Crash’s Landing. Chuck served on the Board of Lake Bella Vista Association was a Planning Commissioner for Cannon Township. His son-in-law, Mike taught him a lot about technology and he learned to become very tech savvy throughout his later years of life.
Chuck will be remembered for his positive and cheerful outlook on life. He had a sense of humor that will never be forgotten, and his support and love for his family was unmatched. He will be missed by so many.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 3 one hour prior to the Funeral Service at 3 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, Michigan 49341. Chuck will be laid to rest at Cannon Township Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be made to Crash’s Landing in memory of Chuck; for more information please visit http://crashslanding.org.