Dr. Charles W. Mackenbach, 93, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, in Naples, Florida.

He was born November 7, 1916, in Saint Marys, the son of August and Mary (Dickman) Mackenbach. The Mackenbach and Dickman families were among the original settlers in Saint Marys and quite active in Saint Marys’ growth and prosperity.

Although Charles had resided in Naples, Florida for many years, he always considered Saint Marys his home; to Charles, Saint Marys and Ohio were “God’s Country”.

He was a 1934 graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School and earned undergraduate and Dental degrees from the Ohio State University. In 1943, Charles enlisted in the Navy and served with distinction in WWII with the rank of Lt. Commander.

He married his college sweetheart, Ruth Haemmerlein in 1943. After 55 wonderful and productive years of marriage, Ruth passed away in 1999.

Charles was very active in Saint Marys. He was a past president of the Saint Marys City Council; also, Saint Marys Rotary Club. He received the Paul Harris Fellow Award to his “long and distinguished service to his community”. Under Charles guidance as president of the Chamber of Commerce, the Memorial Park was beautified in 1969 with funds from the American Legion and other community funds. Charles was also instrumental in the building and restoration of the Memorial Park Clock Tower. The Mackenbach family has made a grant to help maintain the park. Charles was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Saint Marys. He was a 60 year member of the American Legion.

During his professional career as a dentist in Siant Marys, Charles served as the President of the Northwest Dental Society (NDS). Throughout his life, Charles remained very close to his friends and colleagues from the NDS and Ohio State Dental College.

Charles’ lifetime interests included family, friends, dancing, golfing, fishing, travel, and of course, Saint Marys and Ohio State University sports. Until recently, he regularly attended Ohio State and Memorial High School football games.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his daughter, Lois; siblings, Albert, Edgar and Paul Mackenbach; Lillian Moul and Julia Tchantz Olson.

Charles is survived by his wife, Marni (Surdy); by his children: John (Mari) Mackenbach of Itasca, Illinois; Mary (Lance) Cunha of John’s Creek, Georgia; Joan (John) Walschon of Medina, Ohio; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral rites will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church, Saint Marys, the Reverend Bill Maki, officiant. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3-6 P.M. Monday at the Miller-long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, Saint Marys, where memorial donations may be directed to the Auglaize County Cancer Association or Saint Marys Community Foundation.