Charles J. Petersen

Age 88, passed away on Tuesday November 7, 2006 at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center, Menasha. Charles was born in Oconto on January 12, 1918 son of the late Holger and Hattie (Blank) Petersen. He graduated from Oconto High School in 1938, and was married to Dorothy Drolette on December 29, 1941. Charles worked as a Merchant Marine during World War II on the Great Lakes. He achieved the rating of quartermaster as a wheelsman. Charles was an active member of the Romeo’s and Calico’s Square Dance Club for many years. He was a member of the Local 8 Iron Workers Union for 50 years, was a charter member and president of the Oconto Sportsman Club, and a member of the Knights of Columbus and also the Iron Worker Retirees. Charles spent many happy retirement years fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his children; Charles U. (Carole), Chickamauga, GA.; Paul J. (Camille), Johnstown, OH.; Michael (Eileen), Appleton; Barb (Steve) Sonkowsky, Appleton; Susan (Dale) Bowers, Little Chute; Carol (Don) Draeger, Eau Claire; and Amy (Danny) Degenhardt, Appleton; a sister Ruth Belongia, and a brother Jim Petersen, both of Oconto; a sister in law Jean (Marv) Krueger, Oconto; 19 grandchildren: Belinda, Tammy, Chris, Jeff, Bill, Katie, Lisa, Sarah, Tricia, Samantha, Allan, Brian, Kelly, Charlie, Dustin, Jason, Ashley, Cora, and Johnny, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Charles was preceded in death by 2 sisters Sally and Doris. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Oakridge Gardens especially Molia and Tracy.

Funeral Services for Charles will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday November 10, 2006 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette Street in Appleton, with Fr. Brian Belongia officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home with a prayer service at 7:30 P.M. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. A memorial is being established.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Sreet
Appleton, WI 54911
910-739-1231