Charles Edward Hums

Charles Edward Hums of Granger, IN, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend with family by his side on January 6, 2024.

Affectionately known as Chuck, he was born on February 27, 1949, to the late John and Marie (Ludwig) Hums. Chuck spent his childhood in the Oakmont Park neighborhood in South Bend, IN, as a member of a large Catholic family. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1967. Chuck's life took a significant turn when he was introduced to Deborah Kay Pinckert through neighbor friends.

After a year of courtship, Chuck and Debbie were united in marriage at Harris Prairie Church of Christ in Granger on October 20, 1979. One of Chuck's most impactful projects began in 1983 when he personally designed and built the Hums family home in Granger. This home became the backdrop for the upbringing of their two sons: Scott (Shalah) Hums of Westfield, IN and Kyle (Ashley) Hums of Granger.

In addition to his wife and children, Chuck is survived by grandchildren Bailey Hums and Handel Hums; step-grandchildren Bo Budzielek, Raelynn Budzielek and Grant Budzielek; brother Mark (Janice) Hums of Montgomery, IL; sisters Terri (Jack) Desatnick of Chillicothe, IL and Anne (Kevin) Housemeyer of South Bend; nephews Christopher (Jacqueline) Hums of Montgomery, IL and Brian (Amy) Desatnick of Bloomington, IL; nieces Amy (Jake) Fenolia of Laramie, WY, goddaughter Andrea Desatnick of Peoria, IL and Keri Tosh of Portage, IN.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Paul (Judy) Hums, Robert (Thyresa) Hums and Richard Hums.

Embarking on a career with Carpenters Local 413 in 1968, Chuck started as a carpenter apprentice and ascended to the roles of journeyman, foreman and superintendent at companies such as Holladay, Ziolkowski and Verkler. He contributed to the construction of notable buildings in Michiana, including the One Michiana Square building, Michiana Regional Airport and the Morris Performing Arts Center's renovation in the late '90s.

In 2007, Chuck joined the University of Notre Dame as a Construction Administrator, ensuring that campus projects met the highest construction standards. Over his twelve-year tenure, he oversaw numerous projects, most notably Stinson-Remick Hall of Engineering, McCourtney Hall—a world-class research building that opened in 2016 as well as the Baumer, Flaherty, Dunne and Johnson Family residence halls. Chuck cherished his work at Notre Dame, considering it the "ultimate job," and retired in 2019, concluding over fifty years with Carpenters Local 413.

Recognized as an excellent teacher and hard worker, Chuck made a lasting impact on those around him. "He was a terrific carpenter in search of doing things the right way the first time,” said Doug Marsh, Vice President of Facilities Design and Operations and University Architect for the University of Notre Dame. “Others learned a lot from him in this way."

Family remained paramount throughout Chuck's life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. His closeness to his parents and siblings was evident. In addition to his family, Chuck had a myriad of hobbies and passions. An outdoor enthusiast, he spent countless hours fishing, hiking, camping and traveling the western United States in his truck camper with family and friends. Chuck also enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino, stamp collecting and photography, with gardening holding a special place in his heart. His large backyard garden brought him immense joy, and he loved sharing its bounty with everyone he encountered.

Chuck was a dedicated parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church, attending the 7 a.m. mass regularly.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at 2 pm, on Sunday, January 14, with visitation following until 7 p.m., at McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, at 13260 IN-23, Granger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, January 15, at Christ the King Catholic Church at 52473 State Hwy 933, South Bend at 11 am, with visitation one -hour prior.  Burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in Chuck’s name to Christ the King Catholic Church, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Northway Church of Christ.