MADISON / MCFARLAND/ MIDDLETON - Charles Albert “Chuck” “Charlie” Thieme, age 81, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Milestone Senior Living. He was born on April 26, 1945, at Lutheran Hospital in Beaver Dam, the son of Arthur Albert Julius Thieme Jr. and Ruby Mavey (Westphal) Thieme.

Charles graduated from Juneau High School in 1963 and later earned his degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966-1972.

Chuck enjoyed a distinguished career in banking that spanned more than four decades. He held leadership and lending positions with American Exchange Bank, First Wisconsin Bank, Monona Grove State Bank, where he helped establish the Leasing Department, Valley Bank, and M&I Bank. Later, he played a key role in the formation of Middleton Community Bank, serving as its president for many years. Throughout his career, Charlie was known for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to mentoring young bankers throughout the Madison area. He retired in 2017.

A proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, Charlie was a member of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association. He served as State Treasurer for Ducks Unlimited and was active in the local Ducks Unlimited for more than 20 years. An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed elk hunting and fishing. He also loved to travel, particularly to Alaska, and treasured the time he spent at his cabin in Phelps, Wis., hosting his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his siblings, Geraldine (Thieme) Bischoff of Beaver Dam, Dr. Ralph Thieme of Cumberland, Maine and Denise Thieme of Baraboo; children, Olivia (Robert) Naturman and their children, Isabel and Jake; Shawn Thieme; Kellie (Dave) Clausen and their children, Sam and Alex; Dr. Nicole Tribbey; and Kimberly (Jason) Eck and their children, Quentin, Jaxton, Palmer, Maverick and Lola; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arther and Ruby; brother, Richard Thieme; and brother-in-law, Darwin Bischoff.

Services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 12 Noon on Friday, August 21, 2026. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Charles A. Thieme

April 26, 1945 - June 18, 2026

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