Charles and Janet Litke

 Charles Louis Litke                     05/0 8/ 1932 - 11/18/2024             

Janet Lucile (DeRop) Litke         01/31/ 1938  -  11/21/2024

Charles Louis Litke, 92, and Janet Lucile (DeRop) Litke of Woodruff, SC passed away this week. Charles passed on Monday, November 18, and Janet passed on November 21, 2024. 

Charles was born on May 8, 1932, in Chicago, IL to Louis and Josephine (Huber) Litke. Janet was born on January 31, 1938, in New York City, NY to Frank and Lucile DeRop. Charles and Janet married in New Buffalo on November 10, 1956. They were blessed with 7 children, Stephen (Bev) Litke of Inman, SC; Ruth (Mitch) Martin of Woodruff, SC; Lois (Kevin) Sheppard of Golden Valley, MN; Hope Walker of Westminster, SC; Paul (Robin) Litke of Griffith, IN; Elizabeth (Steve) Tanksley of Peyton, CO; and Daniel (Amy) Litke of Woodruff, SC. They had 15 Grandchildren: Emma (Stephen) Garrison and their children Henry, Lily, George, Jack and Anna; Joshua (Raluca) Litke and their children Lola, Colette, and Mirabella; Grayson Martin; Jeremy ( Heidi) Sheppard and their children Anneka, Elliana, and Kira; Jason Sheppard; Austin Sheppard; Travis (Caitrina) Litke and their children Ensley and Milo; Garrett (Aliza) Litke and their children Charlotte, Hudson, and Bennett; and Presley Corich; Christian (Breanna) Tanksley and daughter Emersyn; Caleb (Brittany) Tanksley and daughter Elianna; Aaron; Jacob, Abigail, and Katie Litke. 

Charles was proceeded in death by his parents, Louis and Josephine Litke, and by brothers, Jack, and Ronald. Charles has 2 surviving brothers, Robert (Edna) Litke, and Bertram.

Janet was proceeded in death by her parents, Frank and Lucile DeRop, and by brother, James. Janet has 1 surviving sister, Marianne.

Charles served in the army during the Korean war and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was the owner/operator of the Quality Bakery in New Buffalo, MI and worked in several factories as a laborer. 

Janet worked together with Charles in growing the Quality Bakery, then took great pride in raising their 7 children, returning to the workforce in 1978 for the New Buffalo School System as both the cafeteria service manager and bus transportation manager.

Charles and Janet served their Lord and Savior faithfully leading music, teaching Sunday school, leading the youth group, ladies groups, and many other ministries in Bible Baptist Church in New Buffalo. Upon their move to South Carolina, they attended and served Westgate Baptist church and school in Spartanburg.

A celebration of Life service will be held at Westgate Baptist Church on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 5:30pm with visitation preceding the service, beginning at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the building fund of Victory Baptist Church at 421 SE Main St, Suite 101, Simpsonville, SC., 29680.