Obituary for Charles Frederick Trierweiler

Charles Frederick Trierweiler, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Born September 13, 1934, in Portland, Michigan to Victor and Mathilda (Feldpausch) Trierweiler. He was a proud 1953 graduate of St. Patrick Catholic School. He was a man of few words but had a quick wit and a sparkle in his blue eyes when he was having fun with you.

After high school, he briefly attended a college in Rensselaer, Indiana on what he called a “friendship scholarship” arranged by a friend from St. Pat’s. Being a self-proclaimed “mamma’s boy” he got homesick and left school, walking nearly the whole 244 miles home to Portland. He did factory work and construction for a bit and then joined the Army, proudly serving with the 86th Reconnaissance Battalion from 1954-1956. He was stationed in Alaska and played baseball for the Army.

He was an all-around good athlete with a love for baseball and basketball, which led him to pursue a teaching degree in Physical Education after the Army. He attended Grand Rapids Community College and then Western Michigan University to obtain a teaching degree.

He was hired by Fowler Public Schools in 1963 where he taught for 25 years and served as the Athletic Director for 14 years. He taught a variety of classes but was primarily the Phys. Ed. teacher. He coached baseball, track, and basketball, and was assistant coach for football. He was most successful with basketball and enjoyed helping with the football program. He was remembered fondly by many of his past players and students who would visit him over the years.

While chaperoning a school trip, he was “introduced” to Jean Frechen, another chaperon. Little did they know it was a setup arranged by some students. They were married on August 13, 1966, settling in Pewamo, attending St. Joseph Catholic Church and raising two daughters. Charlie had a love of farming and animals and managed to buy enough property to have a small farm. For many years, he farmed and took care of the animals, at one point having over 70 Angora goats. At the same time, he taught school, coached and worked side jobs in the summer.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and golfing with family and friends. Summers were often spent on the river fishing from a canoe with his brothers, and he always took his girls along. He was a teacher at heart, and he took the time to teach his girls the things he loved. He was a man ahead of his time and never treated his girls like they couldn’t do something because they were girls.

He lived independently until he was 89 years old, loving his weekly card games and rounds of golf with friends/neighbors and fishing on the lake or in his pond. He did his best to never miss a Detroit Tigers game on TV.

He adored his grandchildren, babysitting for them when they were little and attending school events as they got older. The kids loved visiting Grandpa, fishing in the pond, riding with him on the quad, and having potato chips and root beer floats in the barn.

He had a strong faith in God and prayer, which grew stronger as he got older. He was an emotional person, and not afraid to shed a tear. He was well known for his hugs.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Jean; siblings, Mary Ann Trierweiler, Eileen Burgoyne, Ken Trierweiler, Rosalyn (Thomas) Bengel, Patrick Trierweiler; in-laws, Thomas Bengel, Barry Sillman, Patty Trierweiler, Dale Stiffler, Harv (Diana) Burgoyne.

Surviving are his children and grandchildren, Amy Jenks and children, Taylor and Mac; Beth (Doug) Krepps and children, Vaughn, Isabelle, and Noelle; siblings, Gladys Stiffler, Kay Sillman, Roger (Sandy) Trierweiler, Victor (Donna) Trierweiler; and many nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Most Holy Trinity Activity Center, Fowler. A time of sharing will begin at 6:45 p.m. with a rosary to follow at 7:30 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Fr. John Whitlock at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler. Rite of Committal will follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Those wishing may make contributions to Most Holy Trinity, St. Joseph, or St. Patrick Parish in memory of Charlie. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.