Charles August Cross “Deutch”, Age 87, of Chesterton, formerly of Chicago, passed away at home Tuesday, January 6, 2009. 

Charles was born March 16, 1921 in Chicago, the son of Carl and Anna (Melcic) Cross, both of whom preceded him in death. 

On October 15, 1949 in Benton Harbor, Mich., Charles married Dorothy Kirby his wife of nearly 60 years.

Mr. Cross is survived by his wife, Dorothy Cross of Chesterton; daughters, Kathleen (Michael) Marciniak of Lansing, Ill. and Carol (Anthony) Piazza of Chesterton; son, Gary (Nancy) Cross of Chesterton; sister, Lillian (Frank) Hankosky of Arizona; nine grandchildren, Todd Marciniak of Chicago, Amy (Bill) Sparkowski of Lake Zurich, Ill., Laura (Brian) Dekker of Cedar Lake, , Carly (Bill) Troy of LaPorte, Marc Piazza, Daniel Piazza, Jacob Cross, Charlie Cross, and Nicholas Cross, all of Chesterton; six great-grandchildren, Augustus and Alyssa Sparkowski of Lake Zurich, Ill., Tyler and Kendall Troy of LaPorte, Andrew and Benjamin Dekker of Cedar Lake. 

He was also preceded in death by sisters, Marie Carlson and Arlene Cross and brothers, Eugene, Gerald, Robert and Walter Cross. 

He attended Bowan High School in Chicago. He served four years in the US Army and C.C. Camp at age 16. Mr. Cross worked as an electrician for Valley Mould & Iron for 37 years retiring in 1976. He was an active member of St. Petri Church for 55 years and a charter member of the New Troy American Legion in New Troy, Mich. Charles enjoyed his family, traveling, helping others, music, dancing and all kids. He had a great sense of humor. 

Funeral Services, Pastor Chris Newman-Jacobs and Pastor Robert Hempel officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9 at Chesterton First United Methodist Church, 434 S. 2nd St. in Chesterton. 

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, January 8, at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton and 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Cremation will follow services.

 Memorials may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County.  www.EE-FH.com 

Posted 1/7/2009