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Charles Edmund Genske, 66, of Merrilville, Indiana, passed away on October 7, 2024. Born on November 23, 1957, Charles devoted his life to serving his community, his country, and his faith. Charles is survived by his wife, Cheri Genske; his children, Robert Genske, Joanne Albrecht (husband Guy), and Jeffery Genske; his sister Cathy Brick, and brothers Tom Genske and Joe Genske. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Mary Genske; and his siblings, Pat Genske, Mary Ellen Vogel, Bill Genske. Charles Genske grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Charles proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1976 to 1980, dedicating four years to serving his country with distinction. While serving in Germany, he was invited to attend church with a friend. Little did he know that saying yes to that invitation would set the course of his life. In Germany, he attended Sembach Bible church pastored by Robert Circeo. There, he accepted Christ as his Savior in August 1980. He gave up smoking and drinking and dedicated his life to Christ. After his time in the Air Force, he attended Maranatha Baptist University. He joined a preacher boys club where he traveled with Evangelist Joe Boyd setting up tent Revival meetings where thousands were led to Christ. Charles decided to attend a Joe Boyd Banquet at Hyles-Anderson College with a group of friends, including Julie Harvey. While at the banquet, Julie introduced Charles to her sister Cheri. They soon fell in love and got married in August 1987. Charles decided to stay in northwest Indiana and get his Master of Pastoral Theology degree at Hyles Anderson College. In June of 1988 they had their first born son Robert, and in October of 1989 they had their daughter Joanne. Charles and Cheri worked faithfully together in various ministries of First Baptist Church including a Chicago Bus route where they would pick up families for church. Charles would lead singing and often preach on the bus during the long bus rides to and from service. His kindness and generosity extended beyond the church walls, touching the lives of many. With little experience, Charles got a job for Marks Motors where he helped fix cars for resale, and he found that he really enjoyed working on them. If there was a problem he didn’t know how to solve, he would go to the library and figure it out. After graduating from Hyles Anderson, he decided that his passion was to help people with their car problems. He established Chucks Auto Repair and began a successful career as a self-employed traveling auto mechanic, a vocation that allowed him to touch many lives with his expertise and helpfulness including church members, college students and even missionaries. Often he would work late into the night and sometimes in inclimate weather to finish a job for somebody who really depended on their vehicle the next day. Being self-employed wasn’t easy at times, but God provided for Charles and his family. Charles and Cheri switched to a bus route closer to home in Lake Station, Indiana, and he began teaching a 3rd-grade boys class at church. Shortly after that in 2000, they had their third child, Jeffrey. Charles’ faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his actions and decisions. He was a great husband and father who loved his family dearly. He sacrificed much to give his kids a Christian education and allow them to attend camps and church activities. It was common to find him in the morning sipping his coffee, reading his bible, and praying for his family. He continued serving in his church and helping people with their vehicles for the remainder of his life. Charles will be remembered as the good man that he was. He loved his wife, children, grandkids, his church family and the people in his community. His gentle, caring, and patient nature will be fondly remembered and sorely missed here on Earth, but we look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Charles in Heaven. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 12:00PM at Memory Lane Funeral Home, 6305 W Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, IN with Pastor Wilkerson officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until the time of service at noon. Internment to follow. The funeral service will be available via Livestream on Memory Lane Funeral Home and Memorial Park's Facebook page on the day of service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to to 90.5 The Key Radio Station or the Foster Club ministry through First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN.

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Charles E. Genske

November 23, 1957 - October 7, 2024