Charles W. Roberts
March 30, 1944 - July 16, 2019
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE-Charles W. Roberts, age 75, of Cottage Grove, passed from this world to the next on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at St. Mary's Care Center. He was born on March 30, 1944, in Madison, the son of Charles and Eloise (Westberg) Roberts.
Charles graduated from Monona Grove High School. After earning a Master of Social Work degree from the UW-Whitewater, he was employed by the State of Wisconsin as a probation and parole officer for 20 years.
Charles was a member of Cornell Ornithology and the Cottage Grove Historical Society. He also volunteered with the Second Harvest Food Pantry.
Charles was a lover in this world; he loved people, dogs, birds, being outside, hiking, fishing, woodworking, BBQ in Texas, photography, dry humor and helping others. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He was not a fan of cancer or divisive politics.
He is survived by the Brown family: six children, Sasha Brown, Tammy Brown and Patricia (Ethan Scott) Brown, Michael Brown, Matthew Brown and Bruce Brown; 13 grandchildren, Jazzman, T'keyah, Michael, Tiffany, Brandon, Olivia, Preston, Bruce, Ethan, Amya, Brianna, Kayla, and Cali; and two great-grandchildren, Jaylyn and Cassius. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Holden of Austin, Texas; niece, Joy Holden of Chicago; and nephew, Ross of Houston, Texas.
Known variously as Chuck, Charlie and master (to his dog, Nick), he had many loyal and caring friends that were with him to the end. He was a special friend of Bill W. and had many mutual friends of Bill.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his younger brother, John who resided in Victoria, Canada.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Inurnment will take place at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be gifted in Charles’ name to The Audubon Society, Sierra Club or Second Harvest, where he did countless hours of volunteer work. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Wed Jul 24, 2019 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Wed Jul 24, 2019 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Charles have been shared yet.
Memories
CB
Carrie Boehle
Other •
My two sisters and I used to live next door to Charlie when we were growing up. We adored him, and loved to help him on the weekends by cleaning his house. We only got to enjoy Charlie a short few years before we moved to Illinois, but we will never forget him. His kindness and warm heart can never be forgotten. We will treasure those days of helping Charlie, and playing over at his house with his children. We are very sorry to hear about your loss of this wonderful man.
BB
Barbara Monday Bollig
Other •
We don`t have all the answers to life`s questions. And when something happens that we don`t understand, we cherish the things that matter most memories . Classmate CGGS & MGHS Barbara Monday Bollig
JS
Jeanne Scherer
Other •
I'll miss you, Charley. Since moving to Jefferson County, you've always been one of my favorite people. Thinking of you at London Road, looking for the redheaded woodpeckers and driving, driving, driving on the crane counts and Christmas Bird Count. Every time I pass the cemetery on Kroghville Rd, I chuckle, remembering how you tossed a little seed out to see what would show up. I'll continue cherishing the memories.
AH
Ann Roberts Holden
Other •
There is so much I could say about my wonderful brother. We had a fun childhood, together with our parents and younger brother. We all had a good sense of humor, a bit warped at times, but we laughed a lot. We also honored and respected each other.
Charlie was a very kind and giving man. He was a talented photographer and writer. I urged him to make a book with his lovely pictures of birds and flowers with added pithy comments but sadly, that never came to pass. He was a good steward of the land and he loved living out in the country. In addition to the charities I mentioned, you may also honor him by just being nice to each other. Bring joy to the world by smiling to someone that other people might ignore.
JR
Jane Roberts
Other •
I wish we could have spent more time with Charlie but I have many good memories of the times we did share. He was a lovely person and very easy to be with; like the rest of the Roberts clan.
So sorry you lost your two siblings Ann.