Charles Schlacks

Charles Schlacks Jr passed away February 5, 2022, just two weeks before his 91st birthday.

He was born February 20, 1931, in Detroit,  the son of Charles and Irene Schlacks and attended U of D 

Jesuit High School and U of D College where he graduated with a degree in Philosophy. In 1952 he 

enlisted in the Army where he learned Russian in the Military Police Academy and spent 

most of his time eavesdropping on their communications during the cold war. After 3 years of service 

he was honorably discharged and came back to his home state where he  earned a Masters degree in 

Eastern European Studies at the University of Michigan. 

From there he moved west to work on a PhD in Russian history at the University of California in Berkley.

At this time he transitioned into teaching and shortly thereafter began publishing where he enjoyed a 

half century of notoriety as a publisher of over 20 journals and books devoted to Russian and East 

European studies in the humanities and social sciences.

 Though somewhat nomadic in his working and living arrangements, 

he finally settled in Idyllwild California after buying an idyllic log home in a setting very reminiscent to 

Northern Michigan. After a number years working and living here he moved back to Michigan 

residing in American House, a senior living community located in Farmington Hills, MI.

Cousin Chuck was a collector and expert in the several areas, classical music and film noir in particular. 

He also loved to travel, and would drive cross country to attend an annual Slavic convention out east 

and then “swing by” Detroit to stay with relatives and enjoy the holidays with family.

He is survived by his first cousin Dorothea Krieg and numerous distant cousins.

There will be a funeral mass for Cousin Chuck in the chapel at U of D Jesuit High School in April and a 

military burial of his remains at the Great Lakes Military Cemetery in Holly, MI shortly thereafter. The 

exact date and time to be determined.