Charles H. Ojanpera, 67, of Kenosha, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Aurora Medical Center. Born in Minnesota on April 17, 1951, he was the son of the late Herbert and Doreen (Johnson) Ojanpera. He was educated in the schools of Minnesota and served his country in the United States Navy. On June 9, 1976, he married Denise Bruhn in Minnesota. They moved to Northern Illinois in 1980, to Winthrop Harbor, IL, in 1984, and to Kenosha in 2016. Charles was employed with S & C Electric Company in Franklin, WI. He enjoyed cars, tractors, doing yardwork, woodworking, giving Nick a to do list, and going around town and talking to his friends. Survivors include his wife, Denise Ojanpera of Kenosha; two daughters, Kimberly (Sam) Gascoigne of Racine and Kellie (Nick) Dame of Kenosha; two sisters, Judy Carlock and Mary (Otto) Conzet; and a granddaughter, Bailey Dame. He was preceded in death by a sister, Janet. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 3rd, at Proko Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be private.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (26) 654-3533Visit & Sign Charles’ Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Tom Ojanpera
September 17, 2018
Sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing today. Chuck and I are second cousins. We went to grade school together for a while in Cokato, Minnesota before his family moved to Delano. I remember him being a really good athlete. I will never forget during a baseball game, I was on second base after a hit and he was playing shortstop for the opposing team. He said “You should take a lead”, I did, he had the ball hidden in his glove, tagged me out for the third out. Aaaaaargh.He also had a brand new J.C. Higgins bike I was jealous of. Not too many years ago, I got to see Chuck at the 1969 Cokato High School reunion. Odd because neither of us graduated from there.
Linda Wehr
June 6, 2018
was very shocked to see that our old classmate just died.He will be sadly missed by all of us.I am glad I got t visit with him at our last reunion which was 4 years ago.I did not know he was sick.He was a card in high school.My prayers and thoughts go out to his family on his passing.I wish he could have been there for our 50th next year but he will be remembered by all of us.at our last reunion we had just lost another classmate and now Chuck.again my prayers ad thoughts are with his family.you will have all those memories of him and so will we.
Neal Roth
June 4, 2018
Rest in peace Chuck. What a class act you were. always pleasant and kind. I was a sophomore on that team. If I remember correctly he ran nine straight qb sneaks. It was always a pleasure to see you when you came back for the 4th of July. He will be truly missed.
Ed and Wendy Otto
June 4, 2018
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck. Wendy and I are high school class mates of Chuck from Delano, Minnesota. Chuck was the quarterback and I was the center our senior year on the football team. I have the utmost respect for Chuck and I credit him with the success our team enjoyed. One particular memory I have is that Chuck gained over 100 yards on quarterback sneaks in our game against Annandale.Sadly after high school we lost touch and we only saw him and Denise at our class reunions.Denise, we can only imagine the sadness that you feel at this time and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time
Cathy Kauffman
June 1, 2018
I was so saddened to hear of Chuck's passing. He was simply a joy to work with at Dynamatic. I hope you find peace and comfort in your memories.
Holli
May 31, 2018
Denise, Kellie (Nick), & Kim(Sam). I am so very sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. You were all such a big part of my life growing up and are always in my heart. Love and prayers.- Holli
Randy Koker
May 31, 2018
My condolences to Chuck's family. I worked with Chuck at S&C Electric. We talked last week. I also knew Chuck when I worked in the R&D lab at Eaton in Kenosha years ago.
Stan Reske
May 31, 2018
I worked with Chuck at Dynamatic and had a very deep respect for him. There wasn't anything that you couldn't like about him.My condolences to his wife and Daughters. He truly will be missed.
Jim and Brady Hutsick
May 31, 2018
Kelle, Nick and BaileyWe are deeply saddened by the news of your loss. In this tough time in your life, may our friendship, sympathy and heartfelt condolences bring you comfort. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
Jean Schlechter
May 31, 2018
Denise, we were so sad to hear of Chuck's passing. May you find comfort knowing that he is in a better place and knowing others care. Celebrate his life and hold on to all the wonderful memories you had together. We will pray for you and your family during these difficult times.
Carolyn Mustell
May 30, 2018
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen your family but I have great memories of being in your home.Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to everyone left behind.