Obit: Ellison, Charles H. (1923 - 2018?)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Anderson, Czekalski, Ellison, Klein, Young

----Source: The Ladysmith News (Ladysmith, WI) 4/23/2018

Ellison, Charles H. (21 AUG 1923 - APR 2018?)

Charles H. Ellison, 94, was born on Aug. 21, 1923 in Chicago, Ill. to parents, Charles Ellison, Sr. and Helen Young Ellison. He was the oldest of four children: Jim, Rich and sister, Mary.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and three children and six grandchildren: Chuck & (Linnea), Rosanna & (Dick) Anderson, John & Sue, Matthew & (Tricia), Marissa & (John), Heidi, Heather, Jason, Ariel and his brother, Rich.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Hansel Anderson, his brother, Jim Ellison and his sister, Mary Klein.

As a youngster, he thought nothing of sneaking inside of the Hazel Crest water tower to swim and cool off; or to dig for treasures at the local dump with brother, Jim. Later as a young man he would “ride the rails” or hitchhike across the country. He soon learned that picking peaches was not his life’s calling. While he did not shy away from hard work, routine and repetitious work were not very stimulating to Chuck and he would always seek more interesting endeavors. Adventures and challenges were his creed.

Chuck had a short stint working at a CCC Camp in northern Wisconsin. This provided an opportunity to acquire a few skills while sending badly needed money home to his parents. His memories of this were fond, and it was a good experience.

He had the distinct advantage of living through the Great Depression and poverty was a fact of life. As most if not all depression era people, he could not throw a fish back. In many ways this defined him, he was self-reliant and determined to be at no man’s mercy. He worked hard to provide for his family and be independent; he never looked for a handout.

In January of 1943, Chuck met the love of his life, Mary Czekalski. Mary was from Weyerhaeuser, living with her sister in Chicago, Ill. when they met. On July 28 1943, they were married and this relationship has spanned almost 75 years. Together they raised three children, Chuck, Rosanna and John.

By 1944, WWII was in full swing and America was fully engaged in the war. In March, Chuck enlisted in the Navy. He trained at Great Lakes Naval Base and then shipped out of San Diego, Calif., serving on a repair ship near Okinawa, as a machinist first class. While in Okinawa, he used his spare time by building a wind powered washing machine, engaging in escapades with the captain’s personal launch, and experimenting with bulldozers and road building. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After the war, Chuck returned to Chicago where he and Mary settled and like other couples after the war they had their difficulties finding an apartment, setting up house, finding appliances ... Chuck returned to a former job briefly, sold roofing, ran the can line at Sherwin Williams. Once again routine and repetition became a millstone and with Mary’s blessing Chuck left Sherwin Williams to seek a more satisfying employment. The country was in recovery and around 1954 Chuck found the perfect job that suited him very well for the next 30-plus years. He went to work for Besser Company, troubleshooting new block plants, representing their equipment and overcoming adversity. This was a far cry for the young man that did not finish high school.

He loved meeting people as a sales rep for Besser and all the mechanical challenges it offered him. He formed many lifelong friendships with his customers. By nature, Chuck was never idle for long. Upon retiring, he started his own small manufacturing business. Flying was his passion that he had set aside while he raised a family. Soon he had an ultra light aircraft and despite several harrowing adventures he continued flying until his early nineties.

He loved reading and writing and belonged for a while to a local writers’ group in Ladysmith. He had a great memory, enjoyed meeting people and was happy when he could help others. Other hobbies included fishing and harassing his family; he is now harassing God and it will remain to be seen who wins that discussion.

Note: Death and funeral information were not published with obituary.