Obit: Kobinsky, Charles J. (1924 - 2002)
Transcriber: Don Mikolainis

Surnames: KOBINSKY NICKASCH

----Source: Don Mikolainis Scrapbook of Thorp Courier Obits

Kobinsky, Charles J. (19 MAY 1924 - 26 JAN 2002)

Charles J. Kobinsky, 77, of 2021 Rice Court, Eau Claire, WI, formerly of Thorp, Clark County, WI, husband, father, friend, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, at Severson Home, Eau Claire, WI, after a brief battle with pneumonia.

Charles "Charlie" was born on May 19, 1924, to John A. and Catherine Kobinsky in Neenah, WI. Charlie graduated from Neenah High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U. S. Air force. Charlie was honored to have served with the 401st BG 612 Squadron, flying 35 missions over Europe in the B17 "Heavy Date" as a radio operator-gunner, helping to give us the freedom we enjoy today.

After his tour of duty, Charlie went on to Marquette University. Charlie went on to work as a loan office in Neenah for Neenah-Menasha Finance. This company was bought out in 1949 by Thorp Finance and Charlie moved to Thorp and worked as the Vice President of Insurance Operations for Lyndon Insurance, past of Thorp Finance.

Along the way, Charlie married his sweetheart "Elaine" on May 15, 1954, and on July 14, 1961, they were blessed with the birth of their son Jeff.

The Thorp Finance Operation was bought out by ITT, and Charlie continued to work for ITT, moving to Minneapolis in 1979 to complete his 38 years of service with the company, retiring a Supervisor of Insurance Operations. Charlie and Elaine moved back to Eau Claire in 1990 to enjoy retirement and be close to their son.

Charlie is survived by his wife Elaine, a faithful and loving companion for 47 years, son Jeff (Patti); sister Dorothy Nickasch, and brother John (Ruth) Kobinsky, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Charlie's life was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at Fuller-Speckien Funeral Home, Eau Claire, WI, with Father Eugene Klink officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to service time. Burial was in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton, WI.