Charles "Charlie" Wall

Charles J. “Charlie” Wall, 82, of Greenleaf, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, April 12 surrounded by his loving family, after a five year battle with cancer. Charlie was born March 19, 1933, in Askeaton to Richard and Mary (Sheahan) Wall. On April 21, 1960, he married the former Mary E. “Marie” Biese at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kaukauna. After graduating from Wrightstown High School in 1951, Charlie worked as a truck driver. Then in 1955, he was drafted, which he faithfully and honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57 as a tank mechanic in Karlsruhe, Germany. Upon returning from service, Charlie began working at the Green Bay Correctional Institution, where he was a guard for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 1987. Charlie was also an electrician -- he worked part-time for Lynn Gilson Electric and was a self-employed electrician until 2010. Charlie was also a dedicated and integral member of the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department. He joined the department in 1960. In 1966, became Fire Chief and served in that role for many years, followed by many more years as the department treasurer. In 1985, Charlie was awarded honorary, lifetime membership. He was also a member of St. Clare Catholic Church – St. Mary site for 23 years, and an active and lifetime member of his home parish, St. Clare’s Catholic Church – St. Patrick’s site. Charlie enjoyed time with his family, helping his children build and remodel their homes, restoring and driving his 1954 Chevy Truck and 1951 IHC Farmall Super A Tractor, watching NASCAR, daily visits to DG Restaurant, fixing motors and appliances, doing woodworking projects, attending tractor shows, car shows, auctions and garage sales. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of almost 55 years, Marie; one daughter, Charlene (John) Brittnacher, Greenleaf; five sons, Floyd (Brenda), Marvin (Carole), Dale (Hollie), David (Cheri) all of De Pere; and Dean (Jeanne) of Greenleaf; thirteen grandchildren, Chelsea (Jeremiah) School, Eric (Desirae) Brittnacher, Bryce, Brittany, Brian, Andy, Scott, Sam, Mariah, Courtney, Kaitlyn, Jackson and Ella Wall; one great grandchild due this month; brother Jerome (Donna) Wall; sisters Mary “Bret” Denzel and Roselyn (Joseph) Gilsdorf; sister in-law JoAnn Wall; Marie’s siblings, Marvin (Patricia) Biese, Mark (Janet) Biese, Gerald (Mary Beth) Biese, Carol (Michael) Hagens, Joan Hagens, James (Bonnie) Biese, Helen (Stanley) Dercks, Ann (Roger) Huss; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; siblings James Wall, Eugene (Evelyn) Wall, Kathleen “Kay” (Florian) Pfeffer; brother in-law Ronald Denzel; nephews Gary Wall and Daniel Gilsdorf; Marie’s parents Alois and Mary Biese; her siblings Arnold Biese and Jane Brautigan; and brother in-law Ralph Hagens. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Clare Catholic Church – St. Patrick’s site, 7815 St. Pat’s Church Road, Askeaton, on Wednesday, April 15, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Volunteer Firefighter Honors at 7:00 pm and a prayer service at 7:15 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday from 9:00 am until 11:15 am. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am with Fr. Timothy Brandt officiating. Military Honors will follow the mass. Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Askeaton. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com The family wishes to thank St. Paul Hospice Services, Kaukauna, Julie, Lauren and especially Melissa, for their care and compassion for Charlie. Also, a heart-felt thank you to family and friends for your prayers, concern and visits during his illness.