Charles W. Woelffer, 84, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2011, at Aurora Medical Center. He was born on August 4, 1927, in Lake Mills, WI, the son of the late Hans and Mae Woelffer. He attended the schools of Lake Mills, WI. He served in the United States Navy during WWII and sang with the Blue Jacket Navy choir until he was honorably discharged on August 1946. He attended UW-Whitewater majoring in Music. He sang and played trumpet with various big bands such as Sammy Kaye, Horece Height, and Tex Beneke. He held various occupations in Lake Mills including police officer, Sinclair oil delivery, school maintenance and school bus driver. On October 31, 1948, he married Elynore J. Vance at the First Congregational Church in Lake Mills, WI. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2005. He moved to Kenosha in 1968 to pursue a new career as a Transportation Supervisor for Kenosha Unified School district until his retirement in 1989. Charles was an avid member of the Danish Brotherhood Lodge. He was a soloist and master of ceremonies of the Senior Citizens Variety Fair for many years, a volunteer group that performed vaudeville-type entertainment for nursing homes in southeast Wisconsin. He had a zest for life. He enjoyed singing, dancing, golfing, bowling, watching football, playing cards, and fishing. But most of all, he loved to make people laugh. He is survived by his two daughters, Kristy (Alfred) Welch of Milwaukee and Vickie (Ralph) Robleski of Kenosha; three grandchildren, Daniel, Lisa and Brian Robleski; his companion and dance partner, June Dougherty of Waukegan, IL; his brother Gerald "Jerry" (Jean) Woelffer of Brainerd, MN; three step-sisters; and two step-brothers. He was preceded in death by a son, Charles F. “Chuckie” Woelffer in 1985; and a brother, Wayne Woelffer in 1993. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 9th, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. with full military honors to follow. The interment will be private. Visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Charles’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Lou Rugani
December 9, 2011
Chuck was a fine musician, and what a resume, working with Tex Beneke, Horace Heidt and his Musical Knights and Sammy Kaye! I'm honored that he was a fan of the Music of the Stars over WLIP and I still have those signed LPs he gave me when we started.
Neil Sorensen
December 9, 2011
To my friends Kris and Vickie, my condolences on the loss of your dad. I only wish I could have gotten to know him when we were kids instead of so much later in life. He was a great guy, and God, could he sing!
Patrick J. Engels
December 7, 2011
I never personally met Charles but, I worked with his daughter Vickie for many years. She shared many stories about her Dad during that time. After hearing the stories and reading about his life I'm pretty sure his life's agenda (Bucket List)was close to being accomplished. I'm sure his zest for life will certainly leave a smile on everybody when they think of him. He sounds like one of those rare individuals whose's life deserves to be celebrated rather than mourned.
Gary Sorensen
December 7, 2011
My most sincere condolences to your family. I was blessed to have met and developed a wonderful friendship with Charlie through the Danish Brotherhood. It was always a joy to walk into the Lodge and see Charlie standing there (or sitting playing poker). He was one of God's rare gifts to the rest of us. He will be very sorely missed.
Judy Testard
December 6, 2011
I knew Charlie through the Danish Brotherhood. The comment about Charlie having a zest for life, really describes him in a nut shell. He made me laugh and was so much fun to be with. We always had fun when Charlie was around. I will remember him with fondness and and a smile. :) Rest in peace my friend. Judy..