Charles Robert Neustifter

Waunakee- Charles "Chuck" Neustifter, age 94, of Waunakee, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at the New Glarus Home. He was born on Aug. 12,1928, in Oshkosh, Wis., the son of Charles "Carl" Neustifter and Ruth (Rumlow) Neustifter. Chuck graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1946 and joined the U. S. Marine Corps, which always held a special place in his heart.

On May 28, 1949, he married Joan Doemel in Oshkosh. They were blessed with 73 years together. They continued to call Oshkosh home and welcomed three of their four children there, Deborah, Tonia and Chuck. In 1960, Chuck and Joan moved to Kenosha where daughter Sandra was born. In Kenosha, Chuck was employed by Kaelber Plumbing as a Certified Master Plumber. When arthritis limited his ability to work outside in the cold, he transferred to American Motors, where he worked nights and overtime.

For enjoyment, Chuck and Joan loved to go dancing to the Big Band music at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee. They also enjoyed playing cards regularly with family and friends.

Chuck was intellectually curious, loved reading and learning. He enjoyed engaging others in conversation, arguing topics of interest.Most often he was involved in a building project of some sort, from a playhouse for Sandy to the cottage he and Joan built in northern Wisconsin.

Every weekend for years he, Joan and children, Chuck and Sandy, would drive the four hour trip to clear the land and erect the cottage. Both Joan and Chuck felt that those were some of the happiest times of their lives. The cottage is now a legacy that generations of the family will share.

After retirement, Chuck and Joan spent many winters in St. Augustine, Fla., where they played golf, tennis and enjoyed the company of other retirees who became lifelong friends.When Chuck's health declined, limiting his ability to walk, he continued to read and visit with family and friends. He was a wonderful storyteller and amused his grandchildren with stories of his youth and the adventures he had.

As his health further declined, he entered the New Glarus Home, where he was cared for by so many wonderful staff. He had regular visits by family including almost daily trips by the love of his life, his wife, Joan. Daughter Sandy was a constant presence as well.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Deborah (Steve Straavaldsen) Preysz, Tonia (Ralph Cagle) Neustifter and Sandra (Peter Stecha) Neustifter; son, Charles (Mindy Besaw) Neustifter; grandchildren, Johanna (Per) Tonn Straavaldsen, James (Julietta) Straavaldsen, Nicholas (Kinsey Brock) Cagle, Benjamin (Summer Ohlendorf) Cagle, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Schlitz, Samantha (Syl Becker) Stecha, Sydney Stecha, Sophie Stecha, Lyla Besaw and Isaac Neustifter, and step-grandchild, Kristin (Jeff Holloway) Butor; and great­ grandchildren, Elliot and Lola Tonn, Rye Straavaldsen, Gwendolyn and Bowen Schlitz, Chase Cagledorf, and step-great-grandchildren, Alia and Evan Butor. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Hart.

The family would like to give special thanks to the New Glarus Home for all the care they gave Charles. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com,

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761