MADISON - Charles M. Carruthers, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, at UW Hospital surrounded by family. He was born on Aug. 12, 1931, in Mattoon, Ill., the son of Leo and Lela (Swanson) Carruthers. Charlie grew up in Neoga, Ill., and was later raised by Leo and his stepmother, Niota (Storm), when his mother died when he was 8 years old.

Charlie served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After the Navy, he attended Valparaiso Tech in Indiana, receiving a degree in electronics. He worked in Kenai, Alaska as a civilian for the Navy's White Alice Communication System. He had homesteaded land in Kenai, where he met and married Pat Lawson.

Charlie worked as an electronic technician for the Madison Public Schools for almost 25 years. He also owned and operated small planes in both Alaska and Wisconsin.

Charlie had a loving marriage to Janet McCarthy for the past 41 years. He was a very kind, soft-spoken man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved canoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching and travelling. Charlie had been to all seven continents and was proud to participate in the Honor Flight in 2016.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Janet, three children, Chris (Diana) Carruthers, Jeff (Toni) Carruthers and Shari (Scott) Frank; stepdaughter, Allison (Greg) Epp; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, David, Carol, Bob and Connie. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Melanie; and sister, Marilyn.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, followed by a service at 12 noon with full military honors. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Charles M. Carruthers

August 12, 1931 - September 12, 2022

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