HEADSTONE with Judith M. "Judy". Says LCpl US Marine Corps.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter April 11 2012 page 1 "Coach Greenlund Dies"
A legend in the West Iron County area for more than a half century, Coach Chuck Greenlund, 74, died April 6 in Iron River after a long illness. Greenlund, shown here in a 2006 file picture, was a star athlete for the Stambaugh Hilltoppers in the mid 1950s and went on to teach and coach at the Iron River and West Iron County schools for years, leading the Wykon football team to the state championship game in 1977 and the boys basketball team to the state title game in 1985 and 1991. The gymnasium at the high school is named in his honor.
OBITUARY Iron County Reporter April 11 2012 "Obituaries: Charles "Chuck" Greenlund"
CASPIAN-Charles "Chuck" O. Greenlund, 74, went to be with his Lord on Friday, April 6, 2012 at Northstar Health System, Iron River.
He was born August 31, 1937 in Stambaugh to the late Oscar and Signe (Lindstrom) Greenlund. He graduated from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1955. He attended Michigan State University and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1965 with his teaching degree. He taught at Washington Junior High School in Green Bay, Wis. as a science teacher and coach and returned to the Iron River area in 1966 where he taught physical education and health. He continued his teaching career at West Iron County in its first year, 1969, and continued as an educator and coach until his retirement in 1990.
Chuck married the former Judy Meneguzzo on July 12, 1958 at St Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian and the couple were married for nearly 54 years.
He was a lifelong member of Grace Covenant Church, the Iron River Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. He was a member of the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame and celebrated numerous awards throughout his career. Chuck had a passion for working with kids and loved being a teacher and coach. His most noteworthy accomplishment was bringing both a football and basketball team to the MHSAA state finals. Most recently he received the humbling honor when the WIC High School Gymnasium was renamed the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Lauri (Mark) Rometti of Eau Claire, Wis.; sons, Mark (Patti) Greenlund of Marinette, Wis. and Mike (Angie) Greenlund of Eau Claire; sister, Helen (John) Holzman of Denver, Colo; brothers-in-law, Mario (Maria) Meneguzzo, Paul (Lisa) Meneguzzo; grandchildren Tony, Jessica and Ryan Rometti, Ian and Alec Greenlund, Nick, Tyler and Kyle Greenlund; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Don McDonald.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine Waldron.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations, which they will use for Bible Camp scholarships and financial assistance to the WIC Athletic Department.
Funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 3 1992 “Greenlund, Waytulonis Join Legends At U.P. Sports Hall” with photo (photo at right)(excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame added 10 new members May 30. Two of them are Iron County products, while a third is an alum of the famed McNeil Oilers of Crystal Falls.
The inductees were honored at the annual Hall of Fame banquet, held at Northern Michigan University’s Great Lakes Rooms.
They include:
-Chuck Greenlund, Stambaugh High School football star and West Iron County coaching legend.
Greenlund coached the WIC 1977 football team to the championship game, and he took his 1985 and 1991 Wykon basketball teams to the state title game, too, retiring with over 300 wins.
Master of ceremonies Gildo Canale told the large crowd that Greenlund is the only coach in Michigfan high school history to lead teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
Greenlund said the Hall of Fame plaque “is very special to me. It’s something I’m always going to cherish, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career.”
It was a time for reminiscing, and Greenlund talked about the old basket set up at the Anderson home on Lincoln Avenue in Stambaugh; the Anderson cattle he used to chase in the pasture; his home-away-from-home at Nelson Field-until a sister would yell from the top of the hill: “Chuckey, it’s time for supper.”
He talked about his father, the late Oscar Greenlund. “I think any of the talents I inherited came from my father.” He talked about his high school coaches, Willard Anderson and Ed Kukuk, and offensive strategy.
Thinking it would help the team’s offense if he could throw a left-handed pass after getting a reverse, Greenlund remembered firing passes in the basement one winter until his dad told him to cut it out.
“We had some tough times, but we had some gracious times. Iron River always gave us fits, with Mr. (Harry) Munson.” He remembered firing two-handed set shots in the Stambaugh High gym with Coach Anderson, Coach Kukuk and George Grailer.
“They would sit out there and shoot two-handed set shots that used to bounce on the rim five times and go in. I don’t know how they ever went in, but they just stayed up there and bounced around.”
After graduating from Northern Michigan, Greenlund got his first job teaching in Green Bay, teaching earth science and coaching junior high football. Then the Iron River job opened up in 1966, and Greenlund took it. His team took the championship the first year.
“Along with the good years, I’ve had some lean years, just like everyone. Every year was a challenge and a learning experience for me. I’ve had some battles in life: my family, my community and everybody else pulled me through. I’ve had lots of battles on the court, and I wouldn’t exchange that for anything.”
He gave many thanks to his family; his coaches; opposing coaches from whom he stole ideas; his assistants; and his players.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 2 1991 "Greenlund To Join U.P. 'Hall'" (excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame doors have swung open for Chuck Greenlund.
Greenlund, retired West Iron County basketball and football coach, is one of the 10 new members of the Sports Hall who were selected by the Hall of Fame Council at its annual mid-August meeting. A total of 125 people were nominated.
The 10 new members will be inducted next spring at the hall's 21st annual induction dinner in Marquette.
The Hall of Fame is housed at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.
Greenlund, who was an all-state football player at Stambaugh High School in 1954, is the only coach in the history of Michigan high school athletics to take teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
He coached the 1977 Wykons football team to the state finals and guided the Wykons to the state basketball finals in both 1985 and 1991. The later came after he nearly lost his life from severe burns in the high school explosion in January 1988.
Greenlund finished his basketball coaching career with a record of 302-176. He retired from active coaching after the 1991 state title game, but, predictably, isn't staying very far from the high school sports scene.
NEWS ARTICLE Detroit Free Press Jan 14 1988 “Explosion From Gas Injures 20 At School” (excerpt)
A strong gas explosion ripped through the boys locker room of West Iron County High School Wednesday morning, injuring 19 students and a teacher, three seriously, officials said.
Lt. Alan Williams of the Michigan State Police post in Iron River said a preliminary investigation of the incident, which occurred a few minutes before 8 a.m., points to a broken underground pipe outside the school that caused gas to seep into the building.
He said the explosion in the school’s basement occurred after Charles Greenlund, a physical education teacher and basketball and football coach, used a light switch. Greenlund, 50, and two 10th graders, Greg Pairolero and Brian Pingle, both 16, were seriously injured and flown to St. Mary’s Hospital Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee, Wis. A hospital spokesman said Greenlund was listed in critical condition with second and third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body. He said the burns were concentrated on his back, arms, and thighs.
Pairolero was listed in serious condition, with burns on his face and upper extremities, and Pingle was in serious condition with burns on his upper trunk, head and face.
Three students, Jamie Polley, John Scheibe and Chad Hetzel, also were admitted with burns at Iron County General Hospital.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 4 1954 “Chuck Greenlund Scoring Champ Of Peninsula”
Stambaugh’s Chuckie Greenlund and Iron River’s Eddie Vergara have nailed down the number one and two spots in the Upper Peninsula football touchdown parade with Greenlund getting 110 for the title and Vergara 109.
John Ricci of Hancock, in line a week ago to move ahead of Greenlund, was held to one touchdown in Hancock’s win over Houghton last week. Ricci finished in a tie with Vergara, each scoring 109 tallies. Ricci had been the biggest threat to wrest the lead from the Stambaugh star.
Despite several postponed games last week due to heavy snows, it is doubtful that any other gridder in the U.P. can come through with a performance to pass Greenlund’s total.
Wakefield’s Valesano, who had been in the scoring race for several weeks until contained by better opposition, would have to put on a miracle exhibition of scoring to overcome the leaders.
Greenlund, a senior left halfback on the Hilltoppers, nailed down the scoring flag with his last game effort against Ishpeming when he scored three TD’s and one extra point. However Greenlund had chalked up four touchdowns in several games during the season against good opposition to push him among the leaders early in the season.
Greenlund, an All-U.P. team candidate, did not hurt his chances by winning the scoring title. The Ishpeming game also cinched the Menominee Range title for the Hilltop speedster.
Valesano had 96 points until the postponed game with Bessemer.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 22 1953
15-year-old Charles Greenlund of 605 Roosevelt, Stambaugh, sustained a minor injury when a lightning bolt traveled thru a radio wire into his bedroom.
OBITUARY of Clarence David Waldron 2000 says Charles Greenlund is his brother-in-law.
INFORMATION FROM ACQUAINTANCE neighbor Lynn Karvala says her dog used to go across to Chuck's house and love for Chuck to sit in his chair by the garage and throw the ball to play fetch. After Chuck passed away, the dog found that ball and laid down by the empty chair with the ball under his paws.
INFORMATION FROM RESEARCHER Dominick Brunswick for 3rd Grade Museum project in 2017 says Charles Greenlund was an Iron River & West Iron County sports icon.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter April 11 2012 page 1 "Coach Greenlund Dies"
A legend in the West Iron County area for more than a half century, Coach Chuck Greenlund, 74, died April 6 in Iron River after a long illness. Greenlund, shown here in a 2006 file picture, was a star athlete for the Stambaugh Hilltoppers in the mid 1950s and went on to teach and coach at the Iron River and West Iron County schools for years, leading the Wykon football team to the state championship game in 1977 and the boys basketball team to the state title game in 1985 and 1991. The gymnasium at the high school is named in his honor.
OBITUARY Iron County Reporter April 11 2012 "Obituaries: Charles "Chuck" Greenlund"
CASPIAN-Charles "Chuck" O. Greenlund, 74, went to be with his Lord on Friday, April 6, 2012 at Northstar Health System, Iron River.
He was born August 31, 1937 in Stambaugh to the late Oscar and Signe (Lindstrom) Greenlund. He graduated from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1955. He attended Michigan State University and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1965 with his teaching degree. He taught at Washington Junior High School in Green Bay, Wis. as a science teacher and coach and returned to the Iron River area in 1966 where he taught physical education and health. He continued his teaching career at West Iron County in its first year, 1969, and continued as an educator and coach until his retirement in 1990.
Chuck married the former Judy Meneguzzo on July 12, 1958 at St Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian and the couple were married for nearly 54 years.
He was a lifelong member of Grace Covenant Church, the Iron River Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. He was a member of the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame and celebrated numerous awards throughout his career. Chuck had a passion for working with kids and loved being a teacher and coach. His most noteworthy accomplishment was bringing both a football and basketball team to the MHSAA state finals. Most recently he received the humbling honor when the WIC High School Gymnasium was renamed the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Lauri (Mark) Rometti of Eau Claire, Wis.; sons, Mark (Patti) Greenlund of Marinette, Wis. and Mike (Angie) Greenlund of Eau Claire; sister, Helen (John) Holzman of Denver, Colo; brothers-in-law, Mario (Maria) Meneguzzo, Paul (Lisa) Meneguzzo; grandchildren Tony, Jessica and Ryan Rometti, Ian and Alec Greenlund, Nick, Tyler and Kyle Greenlund; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Don McDonald.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine Waldron.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations, which they will use for Bible Camp scholarships and financial assistance to the WIC Athletic Department.
Funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 3 1992 “Greenlund, Waytulonis Join Legends At U.P. Sports Hall” with photo (photo at right)(excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame added 10 new members May 30. Two of them are Iron County products, while a third is an alum of the famed McNeil Oilers of Crystal Falls.
The inductees were honored at the annual Hall of Fame banquet, held at Northern Michigan University’s Great Lakes Rooms.
They include:
-Chuck Greenlund, Stambaugh High School football star and West Iron County coaching legend.
Greenlund coached the WIC 1977 football team to the championship game, and he took his 1985 and 1991 Wykon basketball teams to the state title game, too, retiring with over 300 wins.
Master of ceremonies Gildo Canale told the large crowd that Greenlund is the only coach in Michigfan high school history to lead teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
Greenlund said the Hall of Fame plaque “is very special to me. It’s something I’m always going to cherish, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career.”
It was a time for reminiscing, and Greenlund talked about the old basket set up at the Anderson home on Lincoln Avenue in Stambaugh; the Anderson cattle he used to chase in the pasture; his home-away-from-home at Nelson Field-until a sister would yell from the top of the hill: “Chuckey, it’s time for supper.”
He talked about his father, the late Oscar Greenlund. “I think any of the talents I inherited came from my father.” He talked about his high school coaches, Willard Anderson and Ed Kukuk, and offensive strategy.
Thinking it would help the team’s offense if he could throw a left-handed pass after getting a reverse, Greenlund remembered firing passes in the basement one winter until his dad told him to cut it out.
“We had some tough times, but we had some gracious times. Iron River always gave us fits, with Mr. (Harry) Munson.” He remembered firing two-handed set shots in the Stambaugh High gym with Coach Anderson, Coach Kukuk and George Grailer.
“They would sit out there and shoot two-handed set shots that used to bounce on the rim five times and go in. I don’t know how they ever went in, but they just stayed up there and bounced around.”
After graduating from Northern Michigan, Greenlund got his first job teaching in Green Bay, teaching earth science and coaching junior high football. Then the Iron River job opened up in 1966, and Greenlund took it. His team took the championship the first year.
“Along with the good years, I’ve had some lean years, just like everyone. Every year was a challenge and a learning experience for me. I’ve had some battles in life: my family, my community and everybody else pulled me through. I’ve had lots of battles on the court, and I wouldn’t exchange that for anything.”
He gave many thanks to his family; his coaches; opposing coaches from whom he stole ideas; his assistants; and his players.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 2 1991 "Greenlund To Join U.P. 'Hall'" (excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame doors have swung open for Chuck Greenlund.
Greenlund, retired West Iron County basketball and football coach, is one of the 10 new members of the Sports Hall who were selected by the Hall of Fame Council at its annual mid-August meeting. A total of 125 people were nominated.
The 10 new members will be inducted next spring at the hall's 21st annual induction dinner in Marquette.
The Hall of Fame is housed at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.
Greenlund, who was an all-state football player at Stambaugh High School in 1954, is the only coach in the history of Michigan high school athletics to take teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
He coached the 1977 Wykons football team to the state finals and guided the Wykons to the state basketball finals in both 1985 and 1991. The later came after he nearly lost his life from severe burns in the high school explosion in January 1988.
Greenlund finished his basketball coaching career with a record of 302-176. He retired from active coaching after the 1991 state title game, but, predictably, isn't staying very far from the high school sports scene.
NEWS ARTICLE Detroit Free Press Jan 14 1988 “Explosion From Gas Injures 20 At School” (excerpt)
A strong gas explosion ripped through the boys locker room of West Iron County High School Wednesday morning, injuring 19 students and a teacher, three seriously, officials said.
Lt. Alan Williams of the Michigan State Police post in Iron River said a preliminary investigation of the incident, which occurred a few minutes before 8 a.m., points to a broken underground pipe outside the school that caused gas to seep into the building.
He said the explosion in the school’s basement occurred after Charles Greenlund, a physical education teacher and basketball and football coach, used a light switch. Greenlund, 50, and two 10th graders, Greg Pairolero and Brian Pingle, both 16, were seriously injured and flown to St. Mary’s Hospital Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee, Wis. A hospital spokesman said Greenlund was listed in critical condition with second and third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body. He said the burns were concentrated on his back, arms, and thighs.
Pairolero was listed in serious condition, with burns on his face and upper extremities, and Pingle was in serious condition with burns on his upper trunk, head and face.
Three students, Jamie Polley, John Scheibe and Chad Hetzel, also were admitted with burns at Iron County General Hospital.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 4 1954 “Chuck Greenlund Scoring Champ Of Peninsula”
Stambaugh’s Chuckie Greenlund and Iron River’s Eddie Vergara have nailed down the number one and two spots in the Upper Peninsula football touchdown parade with Greenlund getting 110 for the title and Vergara 109.
John Ricci of Hancock, in line a week ago to move ahead of Greenlund, was held to one touchdown in Hancock’s win over Houghton last week. Ricci finished in a tie with Vergara, each scoring 109 tallies. Ricci had been the biggest threat to wrest the lead from the Stambaugh star.
Despite several postponed games last week due to heavy snows, it is doubtful that any other gridder in the U.P. can come through with a performance to pass Greenlund’s total.
Wakefield’s Valesano, who had been in the scoring race for several weeks until contained by better opposition, would have to put on a miracle exhibition of scoring to overcome the leaders.
Greenlund, a senior left halfback on the Hilltoppers, nailed down the scoring flag with his last game effort against Ishpeming when he scored three TD’s and one extra point. However Greenlund had chalked up four touchdowns in several games during the season against good opposition to push him among the leaders early in the season.
Greenlund, an All-U.P. team candidate, did not hurt his chances by winning the scoring title. The Ishpeming game also cinched the Menominee Range title for the Hilltop speedster.
Valesano had 96 points until the postponed game with Bessemer.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 22 1953
15-year-old Charles Greenlund of 605 Roosevelt, Stambaugh, sustained a minor injury when a lightning bolt traveled thru a radio wire into his bedroom.
OBITUARY of Clarence David Waldron 2000 says Charles Greenlund is his brother-in-law.
INFORMATION FROM ACQUAINTANCE neighbor Lynn Karvala says her dog used to go across to Chuck's house and love for Chuck to sit in his chair by the garage and throw the ball to play fetch. After Chuck passed away, the dog found that ball and laid down by the empty chair with the ball under his paws.
INFORMATION FROM RESEARCHER Dominick Brunswick for 3rd Grade Museum project in 2017 says Charles Greenlund was an Iron River & West Iron County sports icon.
HEADSTONE with Judith M. "Judy". Says LCpl US Marine Corps.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter April 11 2012 page 1 "Coach Greenlund Dies"
A legend in the West Iron County area for more than a half century, Coach Chuck Greenlund, 74, died April 6 in Iron River after a long illness. Greenlund, shown here in a 2006 file picture, was a star athlete for the Stambaugh Hilltoppers in the mid 1950s and went on to teach and coach at the Iron River and West Iron County schools for years, leading the Wykon football team to the state championship game in 1977 and the boys basketball team to the state title game in 1985 and 1991. The gymnasium at the high school is named in his honor.
OBITUARY Iron County Reporter April 11 2012 "Obituaries: Charles "Chuck" Greenlund"
CASPIAN-Charles "Chuck" O. Greenlund, 74, went to be with his Lord on Friday, April 6, 2012 at Northstar Health System, Iron River.
He was born August 31, 1937 in Stambaugh to the late Oscar and Signe (Lindstrom) Greenlund. He graduated from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1955. He attended Michigan State University and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1965 with his teaching degree. He taught at Washington Junior High School in Green Bay, Wis. as a science teacher and coach and returned to the Iron River area in 1966 where he taught physical education and health. He continued his teaching career at West Iron County in its first year, 1969, and continued as an educator and coach until his retirement in 1990.
Chuck married the former Judy Meneguzzo on July 12, 1958 at St Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian and the couple were married for nearly 54 years.
He was a lifelong member of Grace Covenant Church, the Iron River Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. He was a member of the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame and celebrated numerous awards throughout his career. Chuck had a passion for working with kids and loved being a teacher and coach. His most noteworthy accomplishment was bringing both a football and basketball team to the MHSAA state finals. Most recently he received the humbling honor when the WIC High School Gymnasium was renamed the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Lauri (Mark) Rometti of Eau Claire, Wis.; sons, Mark (Patti) Greenlund of Marinette, Wis. and Mike (Angie) Greenlund of Eau Claire; sister, Helen (John) Holzman of Denver, Colo; brothers-in-law, Mario (Maria) Meneguzzo, Paul (Lisa) Meneguzzo; grandchildren Tony, Jessica and Ryan Rometti, Ian and Alec Greenlund, Nick, Tyler and Kyle Greenlund; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Don McDonald.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine Waldron.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations, which they will use for Bible Camp scholarships and financial assistance to the WIC Athletic Department.
Funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 3 1992 “Greenlund, Waytulonis Join Legends At U.P. Sports Hall” with photo (photo at right)(excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame added 10 new members May 30. Two of them are Iron County products, while a third is an alum of the famed McNeil Oilers of Crystal Falls.
The inductees were honored at the annual Hall of Fame banquet, held at Northern Michigan University’s Great Lakes Rooms.
They include:
-Chuck Greenlund, Stambaugh High School football star and West Iron County coaching legend.
Greenlund coached the WIC 1977 football team to the championship game, and he took his 1985 and 1991 Wykon basketball teams to the state title game, too, retiring with over 300 wins.
Master of ceremonies Gildo Canale told the large crowd that Greenlund is the only coach in Michigfan high school history to lead teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
Greenlund said the Hall of Fame plaque “is very special to me. It’s something I’m always going to cherish, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career.”
It was a time for reminiscing, and Greenlund talked about the old basket set up at the Anderson home on Lincoln Avenue in Stambaugh; the Anderson cattle he used to chase in the pasture; his home-away-from-home at Nelson Field-until a sister would yell from the top of the hill: “Chuckey, it’s time for supper.”
He talked about his father, the late Oscar Greenlund. “I think any of the talents I inherited came from my father.” He talked about his high school coaches, Willard Anderson and Ed Kukuk, and offensive strategy.
Thinking it would help the team’s offense if he could throw a left-handed pass after getting a reverse, Greenlund remembered firing passes in the basement one winter until his dad told him to cut it out.
“We had some tough times, but we had some gracious times. Iron River always gave us fits, with Mr. (Harry) Munson.” He remembered firing two-handed set shots in the Stambaugh High gym with Coach Anderson, Coach Kukuk and George Grailer.
“They would sit out there and shoot two-handed set shots that used to bounce on the rim five times and go in. I don’t know how they ever went in, but they just stayed up there and bounced around.”
After graduating from Northern Michigan, Greenlund got his first job teaching in Green Bay, teaching earth science and coaching junior high football. Then the Iron River job opened up in 1966, and Greenlund took it. His team took the championship the first year.
“Along with the good years, I’ve had some lean years, just like everyone. Every year was a challenge and a learning experience for me. I’ve had some battles in life: my family, my community and everybody else pulled me through. I’ve had lots of battles on the court, and I wouldn’t exchange that for anything.”
He gave many thanks to his family; his coaches; opposing coaches from whom he stole ideas; his assistants; and his players.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 2 1991 "Greenlund To Join U.P. 'Hall'" (excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame doors have swung open for Chuck Greenlund.
Greenlund, retired West Iron County basketball and football coach, is one of the 10 new members of the Sports Hall who were selected by the Hall of Fame Council at its annual mid-August meeting. A total of 125 people were nominated.
The 10 new members will be inducted next spring at the hall's 21st annual induction dinner in Marquette.
The Hall of Fame is housed at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.
Greenlund, who was an all-state football player at Stambaugh High School in 1954, is the only coach in the history of Michigan high school athletics to take teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
He coached the 1977 Wykons football team to the state finals and guided the Wykons to the state basketball finals in both 1985 and 1991. The later came after he nearly lost his life from severe burns in the high school explosion in January 1988.
Greenlund finished his basketball coaching career with a record of 302-176. He retired from active coaching after the 1991 state title game, but, predictably, isn't staying very far from the high school sports scene.
NEWS ARTICLE Detroit Free Press Jan 14 1988 “Explosion From Gas Injures 20 At School” (excerpt)
A strong gas explosion ripped through the boys locker room of West Iron County High School Wednesday morning, injuring 19 students and a teacher, three seriously, officials said.
Lt. Alan Williams of the Michigan State Police post in Iron River said a preliminary investigation of the incident, which occurred a few minutes before 8 a.m., points to a broken underground pipe outside the school that caused gas to seep into the building.
He said the explosion in the school’s basement occurred after Charles Greenlund, a physical education teacher and basketball and football coach, used a light switch. Greenlund, 50, and two 10th graders, Greg Pairolero and Brian Pingle, both 16, were seriously injured and flown to St. Mary’s Hospital Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee, Wis. A hospital spokesman said Greenlund was listed in critical condition with second and third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body. He said the burns were concentrated on his back, arms, and thighs.
Pairolero was listed in serious condition, with burns on his face and upper extremities, and Pingle was in serious condition with burns on his upper trunk, head and face.
Three students, Jamie Polley, John Scheibe and Chad Hetzel, also were admitted with burns at Iron County General Hospital.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 4 1954 “Chuck Greenlund Scoring Champ Of Peninsula”
Stambaugh’s Chuckie Greenlund and Iron River’s Eddie Vergara have nailed down the number one and two spots in the Upper Peninsula football touchdown parade with Greenlund getting 110 for the title and Vergara 109.
John Ricci of Hancock, in line a week ago to move ahead of Greenlund, was held to one touchdown in Hancock’s win over Houghton last week. Ricci finished in a tie with Vergara, each scoring 109 tallies. Ricci had been the biggest threat to wrest the lead from the Stambaugh star.
Despite several postponed games last week due to heavy snows, it is doubtful that any other gridder in the U.P. can come through with a performance to pass Greenlund’s total.
Wakefield’s Valesano, who had been in the scoring race for several weeks until contained by better opposition, would have to put on a miracle exhibition of scoring to overcome the leaders.
Greenlund, a senior left halfback on the Hilltoppers, nailed down the scoring flag with his last game effort against Ishpeming when he scored three TD’s and one extra point. However Greenlund had chalked up four touchdowns in several games during the season against good opposition to push him among the leaders early in the season.
Greenlund, an All-U.P. team candidate, did not hurt his chances by winning the scoring title. The Ishpeming game also cinched the Menominee Range title for the Hilltop speedster.
Valesano had 96 points until the postponed game with Bessemer.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 22 1953
15-year-old Charles Greenlund of 605 Roosevelt, Stambaugh, sustained a minor injury when a lightning bolt traveled thru a radio wire into his bedroom.
OBITUARY of Clarence David Waldron 2000 says Charles Greenlund is his brother-in-law.
INFORMATION FROM ACQUAINTANCE neighbor Lynn Karvala says her dog used to go across to Chuck's house and love for Chuck to sit in his chair by the garage and throw the ball to play fetch. After Chuck passed away, the dog found that ball and laid down by the empty chair with the ball under his paws.
INFORMATION FROM RESEARCHER Dominick Brunswick for 3rd Grade Museum project in 2017 says Charles Greenlund was an Iron River & West Iron County sports icon.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter April 11 2012 page 1 "Coach Greenlund Dies"
A legend in the West Iron County area for more than a half century, Coach Chuck Greenlund, 74, died April 6 in Iron River after a long illness. Greenlund, shown here in a 2006 file picture, was a star athlete for the Stambaugh Hilltoppers in the mid 1950s and went on to teach and coach at the Iron River and West Iron County schools for years, leading the Wykon football team to the state championship game in 1977 and the boys basketball team to the state title game in 1985 and 1991. The gymnasium at the high school is named in his honor.
OBITUARY Iron County Reporter April 11 2012 "Obituaries: Charles "Chuck" Greenlund"
CASPIAN-Charles "Chuck" O. Greenlund, 74, went to be with his Lord on Friday, April 6, 2012 at Northstar Health System, Iron River.
He was born August 31, 1937 in Stambaugh to the late Oscar and Signe (Lindstrom) Greenlund. He graduated from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1955. He attended Michigan State University and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1965 with his teaching degree. He taught at Washington Junior High School in Green Bay, Wis. as a science teacher and coach and returned to the Iron River area in 1966 where he taught physical education and health. He continued his teaching career at West Iron County in its first year, 1969, and continued as an educator and coach until his retirement in 1990.
Chuck married the former Judy Meneguzzo on July 12, 1958 at St Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian and the couple were married for nearly 54 years.
He was a lifelong member of Grace Covenant Church, the Iron River Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. He was a member of the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame and celebrated numerous awards throughout his career. Chuck had a passion for working with kids and loved being a teacher and coach. His most noteworthy accomplishment was bringing both a football and basketball team to the MHSAA state finals. Most recently he received the humbling honor when the WIC High School Gymnasium was renamed the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Lauri (Mark) Rometti of Eau Claire, Wis.; sons, Mark (Patti) Greenlund of Marinette, Wis. and Mike (Angie) Greenlund of Eau Claire; sister, Helen (John) Holzman of Denver, Colo; brothers-in-law, Mario (Maria) Meneguzzo, Paul (Lisa) Meneguzzo; grandchildren Tony, Jessica and Ryan Rometti, Ian and Alec Greenlund, Nick, Tyler and Kyle Greenlund; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Don McDonald.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine Waldron.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, West Iron County High School.
Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations, which they will use for Bible Camp scholarships and financial assistance to the WIC Athletic Department.
Funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 3 1992 “Greenlund, Waytulonis Join Legends At U.P. Sports Hall” with photo (photo at right)(excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame added 10 new members May 30. Two of them are Iron County products, while a third is an alum of the famed McNeil Oilers of Crystal Falls.
The inductees were honored at the annual Hall of Fame banquet, held at Northern Michigan University’s Great Lakes Rooms.
They include:
-Chuck Greenlund, Stambaugh High School football star and West Iron County coaching legend.
Greenlund coached the WIC 1977 football team to the championship game, and he took his 1985 and 1991 Wykon basketball teams to the state title game, too, retiring with over 300 wins.
Master of ceremonies Gildo Canale told the large crowd that Greenlund is the only coach in Michigfan high school history to lead teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
Greenlund said the Hall of Fame plaque “is very special to me. It’s something I’m always going to cherish, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end my career.”
It was a time for reminiscing, and Greenlund talked about the old basket set up at the Anderson home on Lincoln Avenue in Stambaugh; the Anderson cattle he used to chase in the pasture; his home-away-from-home at Nelson Field-until a sister would yell from the top of the hill: “Chuckey, it’s time for supper.”
He talked about his father, the late Oscar Greenlund. “I think any of the talents I inherited came from my father.” He talked about his high school coaches, Willard Anderson and Ed Kukuk, and offensive strategy.
Thinking it would help the team’s offense if he could throw a left-handed pass after getting a reverse, Greenlund remembered firing passes in the basement one winter until his dad told him to cut it out.
“We had some tough times, but we had some gracious times. Iron River always gave us fits, with Mr. (Harry) Munson.” He remembered firing two-handed set shots in the Stambaugh High gym with Coach Anderson, Coach Kukuk and George Grailer.
“They would sit out there and shoot two-handed set shots that used to bounce on the rim five times and go in. I don’t know how they ever went in, but they just stayed up there and bounced around.”
After graduating from Northern Michigan, Greenlund got his first job teaching in Green Bay, teaching earth science and coaching junior high football. Then the Iron River job opened up in 1966, and Greenlund took it. His team took the championship the first year.
“Along with the good years, I’ve had some lean years, just like everyone. Every year was a challenge and a learning experience for me. I’ve had some battles in life: my family, my community and everybody else pulled me through. I’ve had lots of battles on the court, and I wouldn’t exchange that for anything.”
He gave many thanks to his family; his coaches; opposing coaches from whom he stole ideas; his assistants; and his players.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 2 1991 "Greenlund To Join U.P. 'Hall'" (excerpt)
MARQUETTE-The U.P. Sports Hall of Fame doors have swung open for Chuck Greenlund.
Greenlund, retired West Iron County basketball and football coach, is one of the 10 new members of the Sports Hall who were selected by the Hall of Fame Council at its annual mid-August meeting. A total of 125 people were nominated.
The 10 new members will be inducted next spring at the hall's 21st annual induction dinner in Marquette.
The Hall of Fame is housed at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.
Greenlund, who was an all-state football player at Stambaugh High School in 1954, is the only coach in the history of Michigan high school athletics to take teams to the state finals in both football and basketball.
He coached the 1977 Wykons football team to the state finals and guided the Wykons to the state basketball finals in both 1985 and 1991. The later came after he nearly lost his life from severe burns in the high school explosion in January 1988.
Greenlund finished his basketball coaching career with a record of 302-176. He retired from active coaching after the 1991 state title game, but, predictably, isn't staying very far from the high school sports scene.
NEWS ARTICLE Detroit Free Press Jan 14 1988 “Explosion From Gas Injures 20 At School” (excerpt)
A strong gas explosion ripped through the boys locker room of West Iron County High School Wednesday morning, injuring 19 students and a teacher, three seriously, officials said.
Lt. Alan Williams of the Michigan State Police post in Iron River said a preliminary investigation of the incident, which occurred a few minutes before 8 a.m., points to a broken underground pipe outside the school that caused gas to seep into the building.
He said the explosion in the school’s basement occurred after Charles Greenlund, a physical education teacher and basketball and football coach, used a light switch. Greenlund, 50, and two 10th graders, Greg Pairolero and Brian Pingle, both 16, were seriously injured and flown to St. Mary’s Hospital Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee, Wis. A hospital spokesman said Greenlund was listed in critical condition with second and third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body. He said the burns were concentrated on his back, arms, and thighs.
Pairolero was listed in serious condition, with burns on his face and upper extremities, and Pingle was in serious condition with burns on his upper trunk, head and face.
Three students, Jamie Polley, John Scheibe and Chad Hetzel, also were admitted with burns at Iron County General Hospital.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 4 1954 “Chuck Greenlund Scoring Champ Of Peninsula”
Stambaugh’s Chuckie Greenlund and Iron River’s Eddie Vergara have nailed down the number one and two spots in the Upper Peninsula football touchdown parade with Greenlund getting 110 for the title and Vergara 109.
John Ricci of Hancock, in line a week ago to move ahead of Greenlund, was held to one touchdown in Hancock’s win over Houghton last week. Ricci finished in a tie with Vergara, each scoring 109 tallies. Ricci had been the biggest threat to wrest the lead from the Stambaugh star.
Despite several postponed games last week due to heavy snows, it is doubtful that any other gridder in the U.P. can come through with a performance to pass Greenlund’s total.
Wakefield’s Valesano, who had been in the scoring race for several weeks until contained by better opposition, would have to put on a miracle exhibition of scoring to overcome the leaders.
Greenlund, a senior left halfback on the Hilltoppers, nailed down the scoring flag with his last game effort against Ishpeming when he scored three TD’s and one extra point. However Greenlund had chalked up four touchdowns in several games during the season against good opposition to push him among the leaders early in the season.
Greenlund, an All-U.P. team candidate, did not hurt his chances by winning the scoring title. The Ishpeming game also cinched the Menominee Range title for the Hilltop speedster.
Valesano had 96 points until the postponed game with Bessemer.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 22 1953
15-year-old Charles Greenlund of 605 Roosevelt, Stambaugh, sustained a minor injury when a lightning bolt traveled thru a radio wire into his bedroom.
OBITUARY of Clarence David Waldron 2000 says Charles Greenlund is his brother-in-law.
INFORMATION FROM ACQUAINTANCE neighbor Lynn Karvala says her dog used to go across to Chuck's house and love for Chuck to sit in his chair by the garage and throw the ball to play fetch. After Chuck passed away, the dog found that ball and laid down by the empty chair with the ball under his paws.
INFORMATION FROM RESEARCHER Dominick Brunswick for 3rd Grade Museum project in 2017 says Charles Greenlund was an Iron River & West Iron County sports icon.
