Charles W. Carlson

Charles “Chuck” W. Carlson, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Eden Meadows in Oshkosh. He was born on June 29, 1935, in Oshkosh to the late Theodore and Kathryn (Knoblock) Carlson. Chuck grew up on the family farm and took pride in all he knew and accomplished on the farm.

Chuck attended and graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1953, when he then went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1953-1965. Chuck was united in marriage to Sharon Zelhofer on August 15th, 1975. Chuck and Sharon enjoyed 43 years together vacationing up to Phillips, WI and spending their days on Long Lake. Over the years they spent many lunch dates at Wendt’s on the Lake with several close friends. 

Chuck worked at Pepsi for 22 years, while also being a dedicated member of the Town of Algoma Volunteer Fire Department. Chuck went on to serve as the Fire Chief from 1993-2002. Additionally, he was an active member of the Winnebago County Fire Investigation Unit, serving in several different roles including president from 1991-2013. Chuck enjoyed coordinating the annual Town of Algoma parades and pancake breakfasts for years and always looked forward to seeing familiar faces. 

Chuck was very knowledgeable and talented in almost every trade. He enjoyed the history of the railroad and traveling to see trains throughout the state. One of his favorite past-times was working on and restoring antique tractors. Chuck looked forward to planting his big garden every year and harvesting it every fall. He was very talented at woodworking and creating stained glass, and his unique work could be found throughout the home. Chuck was a master at making sausage with his brother and sons. He also enjoyed hosting pig roasts over the years.

In his later years, Chuck enjoyed keeping up on the railroad news via YouTube and never missing a Badgers, Brewers or Packers game. Chuck always looked forward to seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who would always put a smile on his face.

Chuck is survived by his children: Russell Carlson, Randall (Sheila) Carlson, Kathi (Paul) Miller; grandchildren: Scot Carlson, Kyle (Sarah Vissers) Carlson, Kaitlyn (Nick) Hazelwood, Kole Carlson, Shelby Carlson, Lexi Carlson, Kristopher (Sarah) Karns, Kimberly (Nick) Ryf; great grandchildren: Shawn and Jackson Carlson, Abram, Brody, Lyllah and Ruby Hazelwood, Myla Carlson, Karolyna and Stella Ryf, Arjen and Ailan Karns; step-grandchildren: Matt and Jason Miller; brother, Bruce (Linda) Carlson; nephew, Billy Joe Carlson; nieces: Holly (Keegan Wilber) Carlson and Heather (Spike) Carpenter; great nephews: Henry Carpenter, and Mason and Briggs Wilber; great nieces: Hazel and Charlotte Carpenter; along with many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his wife: Sharon Carlson; parents: Theodore and Kathryn Carlson; son, David Carlson; and aunt, Olga Fessenden.

A funeral service for Charles will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 pm until the time of service. Full military honors for Charles will take place at Lake View Memorial Park before he is laid to rest.