Rieck Charles E.

Charles E. “Chuck” Rieck, age 88, passed away on January 24, 2012 at UW Hospital and Clinics in Madison due to heart failure. Chuck was born on April 1, 1923 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Charles F. and Hazel (Gross) Rieck. He graduated from Mosinee High School in May 1941. He worked for Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company in Baltimore, MD until 1943 when he entered the US Army. He served in the 106th Infantry (Golden Lion) Division. Chuck was captured in the Battle of the Bulge on December 19, 1944 and sent to Stalags 9A & 9B in Germany. He was liberated on Good Friday, 1945 and was honorably discharged from the army on November 22, 1948 as a Sergeant 1st Class. Under the GI bill, Chuck attended Stevens Point Teachers College in 1946 and transferred to University of Michigan Ann Arbor in 1948. He graduated in May 1950 with a degree in Forestry. He began employment with the Wisconsin Conservation Department in July 1950, working in Hayward & Iron River, WI. While working in Hayward, Chuck met and married Doris A. Kulbeck on January 5, 1952. Doris preceded Chuck in death on July 20, 2002. Chuck became a supervisor of the Forest Inventory Section in Tomahawk, WI in 1957. He moved to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Headquarters in Madison, WI in 1968. He held several management positions retiring as Director of Employee Training & Development in 1983. After retirement, Chuck conducted workshops and training sessions with public and private organizations, as well as with Lutheran churches in several states and Canada. During their retirement years, Chuck and Doris spent over 20 years wintering in Tucson, AZ, which they greatly enjoyed. He also enjoyed hunting, Friday night fish frys, watching football and reading. In addition he looked forward to reconnecting with his army buddies at POW and Infantry reunions. He treasured time spent with friends and family. This past August, Chuck made his 35th annual trip with his family to Redden’s Camp in Kenora, Ontario. His Canadian friends held a special place in his heart. Chuck looked forward to his Thursday gatherings with the retired DNR Madison bike & bowl team. Chuck is survived by his loving daughters, Cindy Rieck (special friend Ken Danielson) of Appleton, WI; Cheryl Vulstek of Reedsburg, WI and Charlene (Bob) Krembs of Verona, WI. Grandchildren are Scott Vulstek (Kate Fochs) of Juneau, AK and Andrea (Michael) Walhovd of Wauwatosa, WI. He is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Norine Rieck of St. Paul, MN and Linda Kulbeck of Danbury, WI and one brother-in-law, Wilfred Kulbeck of Fayetteville, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife and fishing partner, Doris, his parents and his brothers Bob, Jim and Jerry. Despite multiple health challenges, Chuck remained optimistic until the very end. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and Clinics in Madison, WI for the many years of excellent health care as well as the UW Hospital Cardiac Cath Lab for their compassionate end-of-life support. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Gunderson Funeral Home, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, WI. A 11:00am memorial service will be held on Monday, January 30 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 110 N. Whitney Way, Madison, WI preceded by a visitation starting at 10:00am. Rev. Jason Zobel will officiate. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave 608-831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Gunderson Funeral Home, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, WI. A 11:00am memorial service will be held on Monday, January 30 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 110 N. Whitney Way, Madison, WI preceded by a visitation starting at 10:00am.