Vern J. Charles, age 61, of Sobieski, passed away unexpectedly due to complications from pneumonia, Friday, December 21, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 4, 1957 in Green Bay, WI, son of the late Willard and Betty (Renier) Charles.
Vern was raised on the family farm in Red Banks along with his 5 brothers and a sister. He cherished the memories of his wholesome upbringing on the farm. He was a graduate of Preble High School, Class of 1976. He went on to pursue additional education in agriculture, eventually pursuing a career with FEECO Int'l, where he spent his 40+ year career employed as a Welder/Fabricator. Vern married Constance "Connie" Hultgren, October 17, 1992 and they shared 26 loving years together and successfully blended their families.
Vern was a man of strong faith and a member of Visible Church. He leaned on his faith in God to carry him through difficult times in his life and instilled his love for God in his family. He was bold in his faith and wasn't afraid to share the Word with those outside of his family, as well.
He loved bass fishing on the Menominee River, antique cars, and cutting down trees to make firewood. He was also passionate about his dogs, gardening and antiquing with his daughter and family.
Vern is survived by Connie; his daughters, Jennifer (Dung) Tran and Michelle (Brent) Baenen; 5 step-children: Valerie (Eric) Riese, Joe (Jenny) Denor, Laura (Joe) Weber, Kelly (Jon) Young and Paul (Amanda) Denor; 13 grandchildren; siblings: Glen (Linda) Charles, Wendy (Terry) Gotham, Ron Charles, Craig (Beth) Charles, and Chris (Terri) Charles; sister-in-law, Eileen Charles; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is further survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Barbara (Bunker) Maxwell.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Ken Charles.
Visitation will be held at Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay), Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 9 to 11 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Ben Lamb officiating.
Vern's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff and caretakers at St. Vincent Hospital 6th floor ICU for their incredible care and support.