Charles Edward Ress, Jr., 83, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Serenity Living of Marshfield. He is the son of late Minnie (Hamus) and Charles Ress Sr., was born January 2, 1939 and grew up in Rangeline, Wisconsin. As a young boy, he attended Willy’s School; later he attended Marshfield Senior High.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Marshfield with visitation from 9 a.m. until service time. Rev. Douglas Robertson and Rev. Barry Saylor will officiate. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Marshfield. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Charlie was a hard worker his entire life. At the age of 16, he started working at the Marshfield Weinbrenner Shoe Factory. It was here that he met Shirley Rollins, whom he would marry on June 28, 1958 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Chili, WI. Charlie was then employed at the Marshfield Brewery until 1962, when he began working for Bilek Distributing.
Charlie and Shirley were blessed with two children, Kevin (Nicole) and Keri (Joe); and eventually six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Their family would spend many weekends camping in their motorhome, caravanning with friends under the CB Handle “Mr. Chips”. In addition to going camping, Charlie enjoyed bowling and watching stock car races, the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Badgers. He took many trips in the United States. He loved to waltz & polka dance and listen to country music.
Charlie served in the Army National Guard – Battery B. 2nd Division before his Honorable Discharge on April 4, 1960.
He was known to many in the dirt-track racing circuit for having operated Rangeline Speedway from 1959 to 1972. He was also the promoter of the races during the Central Wisconsin State Fair for several years.
In January 1969 he and Shirley purchased Central Candy Company and would work tirelessly to operate this successful business for 17 years. During this time, he would sponsor many “Central Candy” bowling and Charlie’s Angels softball teams. In 1973, he received the “Mackie Plaque” award for his outstanding contributions to area sports.
After selling Central Candy in 1986, Charlie worked at V&H Truck, Inc. until his retirement at the age of 75. He had a meticulous reputation for manicuring the grounds and putting up the Christmas lights display there.
In 2009, he obtained Honorary Life Membership of the Knights of Columbus, Father John Eisen Council 1799. In 2018, Charlie and Shirley celebrated 60 years of marriage. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Parish and Eagles Club.
His beautiful life will be forever cherished by his wife Shirley, children: Kevin (Nicole Nohl-Ress) Ress, De Pere, and Keri (Joe) McCormick, Appleton; grandchildren Kyle (Megan Sprang), Sabrina (fiance Chris Simonis), Cassie, Maddi (Aaron Callahan), Kylie, and Evan; great-grandchildren Juniper and Jasper. He is also survived by brothers Roger (Carol) Ress and Jerry (Dianne) Ress; several in-laws, Rita Rollins, Bev Lavey; Carolyn Wesenberg, Verlyn (Frieda) Rollins, Betty Lou (Donald) Mahoney, Bonnie (Dale) Weber, Karen Pernsteiner, Jerry (Carol) Rollins, Denny (Sharon) Rollins, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother DuWayne Lester Ress and nephew, Todd Wayne Ress, his parents, in-laws Robert and Ann Rollins, Duane Rollins, David Lavey, Marlene Wesenberg, Arnold “Doc” Wesenberg, and Tom Pernsteiner.
The family is deeply grateful for the caregivers at Serenity Living, Marshfield Area Respite Care Center, and Heartland Hospice.
Be assured if there is anything in Heaven that needs to be organized or tidied up (or even if it doesn’t), Charlie is already working on it!
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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