Charles L Nemeckay, Sr.

OREGON-Charles L. Nemeckay, Sr., age 86, a loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather, brave soldier and successful businessman, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, at Evansville Manor after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. His legacy began on Aug. 15, 1925, in Allentown, Pa. where he was born to Joseph and Terezia (Drahos). At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a signalman from 1943 until 1946. During a Japanese kamikaze attack on his ship he was seriously injured and subsequently received a Purple Heart for his courage and valor. On Nov. 28, 1946, he married Virginia “Ginny” (Mager) in Detroit, Mich. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage and were blessed with five children. In 1956, they moved from Michigan to Wisconsin Rapids, and purchased C&R Motors. It started as a small automobile dealership. Due to his hard work and keen business sense, the business grew and expanded until his retirement in 1983 after more than 25 years of ownership. Prior to his illness, Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, travelling, the cabin in Watersmeet, Mich., working outdoors, and time spent with family and friends. He is survived by two sons, Chuck (Gail) of Oregon and Tom (Sue) of Milwaukee; daughters, Therese (Paul) Larson of Stoughton and Ginger (Tom) Sturdivant of Sherwood; grandchildren, Chuck (Natalie) Nemeckay, Katie (Peter) Schelitzche, Heidi Verdecanna, Ashley, Shauna, Lindsey and Tommy Sturdivant; great-grandchildren, Janett Nemeckay, twins Jaclyn and Nicholas Schelitzche, twins Lacy and Summer Nemeckay, Antonio Verdecanna and Taylor Coates; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and in-laws. Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Ginny; daughter, Betty; his parents; brother, Joseph; and sister, Helen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main Street, Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, April 12, 2012, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Chuck’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare and the staff at Evansville Manor for the kind and compassionate care given to Chuck for the past seven months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Chuck’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main Street, Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, April 12, 2012, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding.