Charles M. Paavo

Charles M. Paavo died October 14, 2022 at age 81.

Charles was the loving husband of Carol for 63 years, dearest father of Rod (Sue) Paavo, grandfather of Amanda and Nicholas, brother of Marilyn Prime, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charles was born in Atlantic Mine, Michigan. He grew up on a dairy farm and learned to drive a tractor at the age of five and spoke fluent Finnish language. He graduated from Houghton High School where he played electric guitar in a band and drove a Harley Davison motorcycle each day. Charles was licensed amateur radio operator along with his father and schoolmates to converse with people around the world. In addition to farming, Charles worked at the Freda Mine and Ore Institute at Michigan Tech University. 

He married his beloved wife Carol and later relocated to the Detroit area. He and Carol were former residents of Garden City and Plymouth for many years. Together they enjoyed summer months at their cottage on West Londo lake in Hale MI, and winter at their condo in Bonita Springs Florida. Charles loved spending time with family and particularly his grandchildren. He enjoyed coming up with activities to keep them busy and experience new places.

Charles was a precision machinist and founded the original Skyway Precision Company now located in Plymouth. He has been retired for 35 years. During that time he always kidded he was just between jobs.

Charles was a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church, Redford; life member of the Finnish Center Association; member of the Masons and Shriners; and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting with his son.

Visitation 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. (in-state 10:00 a.m.) Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48335.  

Entombment at Glen Eden Cemetery will follow his service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 25630 Grand River Ave, Redford, MI 48240.