Eugene "Gene" Curtis Charles

     Eugene "Gene" Curtis Charles, 81, of the Town of Sturgeon Bay, was called Home to be with the Lord and was reunited with his wife, Katherine "Kay", on September 26, 2023.

     He was born June 15, 1942 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Clarence and Irene Helen (Dietrich) Charles. Gene grew up attending St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay where he remained a longtime member. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School.

     Gene was united in marriage to Katherine "Kay" Claire Schroeder on February 12, 1966 at her home church, St. James United Methodist Church in Appleton.

     He enlisted to serve he country with the United States Army, entering into active duty on April 21, 1966. Gene was stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia. He was honorably discharged from active service on April 18, 1969, when he was transferred to the Army Reserves, with the rank of Specialist 4th Class. Through his military service, Gene was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and recognized as a Sharpshooter (M-14) and Marksman (45).

     He eventually returned home to Wisconsin and together, he and Kay lived in Forestville. Gene was initially employed with Badger Northland in Algoma as a welder for a couple years.

     They were blessed with a son, William, in 1968. In 1977, Gene and Kay adopted a son, Benjamin. That same year, their family moved to the Town of Sturgeon Bay.

     Gene worked as a shipfitter for Bay Shipbuilding Co. in Sturgeon Bay until his retirement.

     He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing (near the breakwall and quarry) and hunting on his land by his home. Gene was also enjoyed camping with his family in Potowatomi State Park in the Town of Nasewaupee.

     He and Kay were blessed with over 50 years of marriage. Kay passed away on April 24, 2016.

     Gene will be missed by his sons, Bill Charles of Sturgeon Bay and Ben (Kim) Charles of the Town of Grand Chute; grandson, Steven Charles; siblings-in-laws, John (Judy) Schroeder, Jim (Del Boley) Schroeder, both of Eau Claire, Bill (Ann) Schroeder of Spooner, and Kristine (Tom) Anderson of Mondovi; nieces and nephews; and family friend and former caregiver, Vicky (Chris Watson) Hoosier of Sturgeon Bay.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; step-parents-in-law, Alfred and Virginia Everson; and other relatives.

     A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Pastor Carl Schroeder officiating. He will be laid to rest in Bayside Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol, beside his wife, Kay, with Military Honors by the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #3088.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with a Devotion to conclude the evening at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home, Tuesday morning, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m.

     "Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Vicky for caring for our father over the years and also to Pastor Carl Schroeder from St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church for his ministerial visits."

     Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Gene may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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