Charles (Charlie) Joseph Desrosiers passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, a true Native, on November 21, 1923, to Louis and Matilda (Rinderle) Desrosiers, the oldest of three children. After Charlie graduated from GJHS, he went to work for McDonald Douglas in Santa Barbara, CA. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 and then became a pilot with the Army Air Corps, later known as the Air Force. He was a career Air Force Officer, serving in the Korean War and stationed in Japan, France, Holland, and the U.S. He retired from the Air Force in 1964 and returned to his hometown in Colorado to continue raising his family.
Charlie met the love of his life, Irene (Guenther), an Army Nurse, while they were both serving their country in Japan. They were married in 1949 and had six children. He built their house in Grand Junction that was always filled with family, friends, love, laughter, and Monday night poker games.
As his second career, Charlie went into real estate and property management. He was always more interested in the person than their bank account. His kindness and generosity reached many people. He was known for his sense of humor, storytelling, and quick wit. He would do anything for those he cared about.
Charlie was involved with St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart Churches, and the Grand Valley community. He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen for many years and always enjoyed time flying. He loved being outdoors, especially if it involved fishing, boating, or skiing. He was most generous, especially with his family, bringing them on many trips, including to Alaska and the South Pacific. His 100+ years of life, which he lived to the fullest, were rich with family, friends, history, and life experiences.
Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, in 1987. He is survived by his six children: Mary Ann (Alan) Stapleton, Debbie Donovan, Paula (Rob) Ashmead, Don (Kathy) Desrosiers, David Desrosiers, and Carl Desrosiers, and his grandchildren: Michelle, Steve, Josh, Colin, Megan, Arla, Dylan, Becky, Riley, and Tanner and six great-grandchildren. Charlie is also remembered by his sister Mary Mort, his brother Paul (JoAnn) Desrosiers, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed but will remain in many hearts and memories forever.
A rosary will be held at Callahan-Edfast at 5:30 pm Thursday 3/7/2024.
A Mass is planned at St. Joseph’s Church on 3/8/2024 at 11 am, and then a graveside service followed by an Honor Guard Service at Orchard Mesa Cemetery. A gathering will follow at the Moose Lodge.
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