Sigfried Charow

Sigfried was born in the village of Beckersdorf on August 17, 1938, and grew up in Kalefeld. He immigrated to the United States on July 4, 1955, arriving in New York harbor on the S.S. America with his father Walter, grandmother Anna, and younger brother Rudolph. In 1956, at the request of Dr. Baum from the International Institute of Detroit, he started a youth group. He also joined the Folk Dance Group under the direction of Mrs. Erika Brenner, performing at various Michigan ceremonies including Frankenmuth, the Strauss Ball, and the Harmony at the Michigan State Fair. An avid soccer player, Sigfried was a member of the Kolping Society until 1958 and subsequently played for Sports Club 24 for eight years. On August 1, 1964, Sigfried married Elsa Knoerzer. They shared 44 wonderful years together until her passing in 2008. Together they raised three children: Alex, Peter, and Gloria. In 1982, through hard work and dedication, the family started I & G Tool Company. The business ran for over 34 years with all three children working at the facility. Sigfried’s professional motto was "Work smarter, not harder." Sigfried was also a Cub Scout Master for his sons and was known for playing sports with his children and neighborhood kids after work; his time playing catch with Gloria remains an especially fond memory. He cherished every chance to play cards, especially pinochle with family and friends, bringing a mix of spirited competition and genuine joy to every game. He was a founding member and ten-year leader of the German American Cultural Center (G.A.C.C.) Tisch Tennis Club, as well as a member of the Austrian Society and the Austrian Ski Club. For the past 30 years, he was active in organizing and supervising festivals for the G.A.C.C., where he was a proud member for over 50 years. He was also a supporting member and active singer with the GBU Saxonia/Rheingold Choir. Sigfried was most proud of his family: Alex (Teresa), Peter (Kelly), Gloria (Brian), and his grandchildren, Gabriel and Hannah. A Celebration of Life will be held in August of this year. Location and date will be shared once confirmed. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring him by planting trees through The Arbor Day Foundation at https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-for-others?producttype=TIM Our dad loved the outdoors and the beauty of Michigan’s forests, and nothing would have meant more to him than helping those forests continue to grow.

Sigfried Charow

August 17, 1938 - April 18, 2026