Charles Lawrence West
August 03, 1947 - March 08, 2021
Obituary
STOUGHTON-Charles L. “Chuck” West, of Stoughton, passed swiftly through Heaven’s Gates early Monday, March 8, 2021. He was 73 years old. Chuck was born on Aug. 3, 1947, the first-born child of Charles and Bessie West. He was a 1965 graduate of Stoughton High School, where he was active in drama, band and choir.
As life progressed, Chuck, always the entertainer, became a world class clown named “Chocko.” He instructed make-up and costume design at Klown Kollege in Florida and worked advance promotion for Clyde Beatty/Cole Bros. Circus. Chuck also held the office of President of The World Clown Association.
He enjoyed auto racing, working at Madison International Speedway, and created the “Turn 4 Kids Club.” He also acted as track photographer, co-creating “Phast Photos” with the love of his life and partner, Jean Johnson. Chuck also enjoyed the outdoors, camping and hunting the Wisconsin Whitetail.
Mr. West is survived by his love and caregiver, Jean Johnson of Stoughton; daughters, Angela of Madison and Meghan (Mark) Lojewski of Topeka, Kan.; son, Chad (Lisa) Zimmerman of Monona; grandchildren, Rakim, Deja, Shamira, Abigail, Emmalyn, Xavier, Quinn and Marley; great-grandchildren, Sakariah and Sah-Kiah; sister, Donna of Sun Prairie; brother, James (Phyllis) of Rio; and nieces and nephews, Jason Stephanie and Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Chuck will always be remembered for his desire to make you chuckle and see people smile; whatever it took. Love ya, Chuck! R.I.P.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy. 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608)873-4590
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Memories
JW
Jason West
Other •
My Uncle Chuck was a great guy! Chuck had such a big heart that it had to go in for a tune up from time to time:)He taught me what it means to be a good person such as saying please and thank you and respecting others(especially those older than you). He made it a point to listen and be open to hear all people including those different from him. He could relate to and respected everyone from all backgrounds. He made a lot of them laugh as well. All that I am I can attribute to this man. He was there for me as an additional father figure in my life when I was growing up and I will never be able to thank him enough for that. I am forever in debt to Jean for taking such good care of my Uncle Chuck. With love and GREAT memories until we see each other again....Jason.
CT
Cassandra Traxler
Other •
I remember cousin chuckie as always being the life of the party. He always made the sentimias so much fun when we came there. He will surely be missed. I will always remember his smile and laughter.
DA
Dean A
Other •
I sympathize with the loss of an older brother. I also lost mine in 2015. I always remember Chuck with the bass drum he played while in the Stoughton High School Band, especially during marching for parades & football games. This probably is because my older brother Henry, although not in the same class, was also in band and played drums like and with Chuck. Dean A. Hanson