Charles R. "Chuck" Amera

MADISON-Charles "Chuck" Amera, age 81, left his earthly home and entered his Heavenly home on Tuesday, Dec., 13, 2016. Born in a farm house near Pardeville, Wis., on Aug. 23, 1935 to the late Walter E. and Esther E. (Barden) Amera, he attended school in a one room school house before moving to Madison. In Madison he attended Central High School where he participated in volleyball, wrestling and baseball. Chuck graduated in 1953 and was the Sr. Class President that year. During his high school years he worked as a newspaper carrier, winning several awards including the Inland Daily Press Award as an outstanding newsboy and played saxophone in a traveling band at local dance venues. For college, he hitch-hiked to UW-Platteville earning his degree in January, 1958. Immediately following, he started graduate school at UW-Madison, graduating with a MS degree in Physical Education/Health in 1959. His further education at UW-Madison included degrees in Education Administration and completion of the classes of the Doctoral program. Chuck landed his dream job as an Administrator in the Monona Grove School System. He worked his entire career in the Monona Grove School System, creating the Physical Education program at the grade school in Cottage Grove in the fall of 1958 and eventually retired as Principal of Winnequah Middle School in Monona 1991. Chuck was employed during the summers as an umpire, supervisor and director of the Madison Recreation Boys Baseball program. The baseball program was one of his favorite activities. This experience spanned 33 years with Chuck receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award from MSCR in 1987 for his contributions to boy's baseball in Madison. It was always a goal of Chuck's to guide a person to accomplish something meaningful. Not one to sit and watch the world go by, he joined with two friends, Joe Blum and Earl Knott to establish housing developments in Madison and Cottage Grove. This venture led the trio to create the ground-breaking condominium plan blueprint for Lake Delton and WI Dells in Sauk County. He participated in the rental market as co-founder of Teachers' Properties with Earl Knott. In his retirement years he and his wife Ann spent 23 winters in Ft. Lauderdale and summers enjoying Madison and Lake Delton. Traveling often together to Europe was always a highlight as it included many adventures, as well as staying local and traveling to the county fairs and historical sites. Chuck and Ann (Lindemann) Amera were married June 14, 1958 and were blessed with three children. It was always a joy to attend activities of their children and spouses as well as the grandchildren. Chuck always said the busy schedule kept him and Ann active and happy for their 58 years of marriage. His biggest lesson that he taught as a living example was "Attitude Affects the Outcome". Chuck is survived by his wife, Ann (Lindemann) Amera; three children, Amy (Greg) Strangstalien, Scott Amera and Lori (Jeff) Taschwer; six grandchildren, Lindsay (Logan) Strander, Alyssa Strangstalien, James Amera, Benjamin Amera, Gabrielle Taschwer and Samuel Taschwer; four sisters, Dorothy Kruse, Phyllis Engelhart, Eunice (Ardell) Cardarelle and Mary (Jule) Schmaltz; and many loving relatives and friends. Chuck was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Amera. Funeral services will be held at EASTSIDE LUTHERAN CHURCH where Chuck was a faithful 58 year member, 2310 Independence Ln., Madison, WI 53704 at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, with Pastor Nathan Berg presiding. A light luncheon to follow at the church. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, Dec 19, 2016, and at church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Memorials may be given to Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church or Agrace HospiceCare Inpatient Unit. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420