Charisse Marleen Halstad

June 25th, 1954 - December 26th, 2011

Charisse Marleen's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Charisse Marleen here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Charisse was my neighbor on Evergreen Bluff Drive. Although she was in her early teens and I in my pre-teens, Charisse never seemed put out to hang out with me and the other younger gals in the neighborhood when we came knocking on her door. I remember playing a Barbie board game and, of course, we all hoped for a date with Ken! I saw Charisse later in life when she was selling her hand crafted jewelry at one of the local art fairs. She is remembered, in my mind, as giving and talented.

Joyce Leist Keller

One of my favorite memories from senior year at LC Mohr (SH)HS was spring break of 1972 and the 6"plus of snow we got in South Haven. Charisse, Linda Wakild and I--yearbook editors--had to go in to school to work on a deadline. But we took time to play in the snow in a courtyard--hats, no coats, and Charisse IN the snow. Her fun side tempered by her serious educator's side and her creative endeavors. I looked forward to seeing her and her inspired jewelry at the SH Labor Day Craft Fair years ago. My thoughts & prayers to all who knew her.

Lynn Roberts

I am so saddened by the loss of Charisse. I've known Charisse, through my step-dad, Erv, for almost 28 years! Throughout the years she would always come to our birthday parties, graduations, and sometimes come over just for a fun night of card playing and adventure sharing! As I grew up I listened to her stories of traveling as a solo female traveler and was truly inspired! I remember her telling me about her dream to ride a motorcycle from the southern tip of India to the northern tip. When I took my first solo trip to Spain at the age of 25 Charisse was there cheering me on and she continued to do so throughout the next 14 years! My husband and I recently completed a year long motorcycle trip from London-Capetown and Charisse was one of my biggest supporters, often sending me emails and encouragement via Facebook. I will miss her creative, open-minded, honest, and loving personality and her vibrancy for life! But, I won't EVER forget her or the impact she made on my life! My heart goes out to her family! xo Beth

Beth Mangum (Erv and Diane Einiks' daughter)

Charisse was always so positive and so happy - truly a beautiful person.

I organized the Arists Market for UICA for quite a few years in the '90s, that is where I met Charisse. She was in the market for every year that I was in charge, and she was always a pleasure to talk with, and her jewelry was always very bold and very artistic.

It was always interesting to find out what she had been doing since the last time I saw her each year - whether creating artwork or teaching. She would tell me about her students and the challenges they had - and how she would relate to them and find ways to connect and help them move forward with success. Charisse was very dedicated and I really admired that.

She will be missed.

Chuck Ammond

Charisse was an amazing woman and I was blessed to have been able to work with her at Lakewood Public Schools and to have had her adventurous spirit influence my life. A road trip to Colorado and a New Years Eve trip to Cancun are just a few of the fond memories I cherish. Her artistic talents amazed me as did her ability to seek all the adventure life had to offer. I know that God caused our paths to cross so I could learn from her. Mr. and Mrs. Halstad, I had the pleasure of meeting you on at least one occasion and I send you hugs of love and strength to get through this difficult time. I too have lost a daughter. It was friends, family and faith that got me through. May you feel Him walking beside you. Peace.

Amy Kehnle Stephan

Always one to put others before herself, Charisse was a gentle spirit who forever spoke kindly of everyone. Her intuitive, crystal-clear insights had a way of casting a light on what you knew to be true, but couldn’t quite put into words, until you heard it expressed by Charisse. She was devoted to her friends and was constant in her efforts to advocate for her students’ needs. Charisse openly shared herself with others, whether it was her latest quirky restaurant find in downtown Grand Rapids, a sampling of brown rice tea, her love of orchids, her collection of retro clothing, a favorite recipe, or a beautiful dessert she created for others to enjoy. A few days before Christmas, she gifted Lakewood’s middle school staff with a platter of gleaming chocolate mint patties and peanut butter balls. We all were truly blessed by her creativity and generosity, and she will be dearly missed. Prayers for His comfort for all who loved Charisse.

Laura Vroman

So sad to see in the newspaper while I was visiting St. Joseph, Mi Charisse's death. The last time I saw her was at the S.Haven Art Show when we enjoyed catching up with each other (we seemed to still have a lot in common). I also work in education as a teacher of the Deaf in Elkhart, Indiana. We were great friends back in 5th/6th grade in Hillsdale. I have many fond memories of coming to your house and playing with Charisse. I always loved her hair and the painting over your fireplace. :)You are in my prayers during this difficult time...
Shelley Andrews

Shelley Andrews Gove

Coach and Mrs. Halstad, How very sorry I am for your loss. Charisse was a very unique lady, dedicated to touching many lives through education. I remember her love for music too. She was a little girl when you were coaching in Bangor, and taught my Jr. High P.E. class. I remember how very proud you were of your little girl. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May the fond memories she has given to you help both of you through the most difficult time in your life.

Jim McCloughan

We met Charisse when she joined the Blue Star Antique Pavilion. She was selling vintage and retro clothing at the time.... later she sold primitives -- always a girl for change! We all had a background in education and had a connection with her on a professional level, but more importantly we really loved her sense of adventure, wonder, creativity, positive attitude, fun and loving nature to mention a few. We enjoyed the fact that she was this independent woman that was not afraid to travel abroad and experience some of the greatest of adventures. She had the most fabulous shoes, bohemian style clothes, awesome jewelry and a demeanor that reminded me of Bette Midler!

She was kind to children, the elderly and animals... what more could you ask for in a friend?

You will be missed girlfriend more than you'll ever know... our 4th of July celebrations will never be the same. We still have our lobster necklaces! You were the life of the party!!

Thanks for being there Miss Charisse and thanks for sharing your life with us.

Debra and James Sheckler

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Charisse many, many years ago. We worked together at North School in Watervliet. We were young and crazy and went to Florida one spring break with a few other girls. I have not seen her in so long. It was a fun time and I even have pictures of us somewhere down there. We had a flat tire on the way down and while we were getting it changed in a gas station we mistakenly left our tent poles there so when we got to Florida, exhausted we found that we had no poles for our tent as we were going to camp to save money. So we slept out under the stars and then got sand flea bites all over us. We did get a motel room after that night. It was an adventure. I will keep you in my prayers, that God may comfort you at this time. Sincerely, Kim Karnes

Kim Karnes

Mr. and Mrs. Halstad
I worked with Charisse at Lakewood, first at Sunfield Elementary. I grew up in Charlotte and Charisse told me that she also lived there. Mr. Halstad, I believe that you helped my cousin, Mike Martens, pursue his running career at MSU. Charisse used to hound me about taking care of my vocal cords when I was hoarse from teaching P.E. My son, Kyle, was one of her students...he had a third grade "crush" on Charisse because of the twinkle in her eyes and her zest for life! My family enjoyed the days that she came to our house after school to cross-country ski with us. We are blessed to have known and worked with your daughter. You are in my prayers.

Peggy Heinze

Dear Mary Lou and Rod, Our hearts bleed for you dear folks. We are so very sorry for your loss of precious Charisse. I had communicated with Charisse via on line during this past year and so enjoyed our little visits. She was very warm and I looked forward to us communicating more. Karen and I had hoped we three could connect in person one day. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you now and will continue to be. With Love, Carla and Neal Wearner

Carla (Thompson) and Neal Wearner

Charisse was a joy to know and a person I often admired. She had a unique personality and a zest for life. I was fortunate to work with her several times in my career. We often shared the same students and I appreciated her knowledge and wisdom. I always wanted to join her on her many travels, and enjoyed hearing about them. Charisse was artistically talented, creating such beautiful jewelry. She had eye for lovely antiques and vintage clothes. Charisse was a gift from God and will be greatly missed.

Jan Johnston (retired West Elementary Resource Room Teacher)