Charles Robert Knoedler, Sr.

Service Details

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

VISITATION: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 12:00 p.m.

PLEASE MEET AT DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME

(A PRIVATE INTERMENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT GREEN RIDGE CEMETERY)

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RACINE – Charles Robert Knoedler, 91, passed away on Saturday November 25^th surrounded in the loving care of family.  Born January 30, 1926 in Kenosha, WI Charles was the son of Paul and Martha Knoedler.  He developed a passion for sports early, playing both basketball and soccer in Junior High as well as being taught to play golf by his father, which became a true passion of his later in life. He continued his athletic pursuit throughout his school years and was a highly decorated athlete for both Kenosha High where he starred as quarterback and Lawrence University as wingback.

Charles enjoyed a very successful business career getting his start with Massey Harris as an expeditor.  At Kelsey Welding Supply (a wholly owned subsidiary of Snap On Tools in Kenosha) he started in sales quickly being promoted through the ranks becoming President; growing the single location to 7 branch offices across Wisconsin and Illinois.  In the 1980’s Chuck retired from corporate American to owning and running his own company, Max-Flame Central for more than 10 years.

While Chuck spent a great deal of his time on the road for business, he devoted much of his free time as a volunteer.  “Giving back” was an important concept; one demonstrated as he served several terms as President of Kenosha Country Club; 10 years as Treasurer of First Presbyterian Church; President of First Presbyterian Church’s Foundation as well as leading the project to install air conditioning to the sanctuary which was no simple task in a historical building.

Family was paramount to Chuck as he valued spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Golf was his one and only hobby he enjoyed throughout his 91 (almost 92) years.  As a scratch golfer, he was Kenosha Country Club’s Class “A” Champion for many years.

For the past 20 years, Chuck and Nancy split their time between Wisconsin and Arizona, with summers spent either in Racine or their lake cottage just outside of Wautoma, WI.  They “wintered” in Scottsdale, AZ which afforded Chuck the opportunity to continue his pursuit of recreational golf year round.

Chuck traveled the world with his devoted wife Nancy of 66 years.  He was truly blessed with good health and a devotion for Christianity and his belief in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Charles was preceded in death by his only sibling, Arlene Brinkman.

In 1951 Charles married Nancy Jane Dittmann, also of Kenosha, and together they had 4 children, all of whom were raised in Racine.  Oldest daughter Susan Preston lives in Scottsdale, AZ with husband Mark and together they have one daughter, Kayli Preston.  Son, Charles Jr, lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Shelley and together they have 3 children; Megan (Chris) Caison, Sarah Knoedler and Benjamin Knoedler – all three of whom live in Charlotte.  Patricia Rohrer is the Knoedler’s third child and lives in Madison, WI with husband Andy.  The Rohrers have 3 sons, all of whom are married. Peter (Sabrina) and Jacob (Angela) both currently reside in Maryland, and Zachary (Nicole) lives in Minneapolis.  Jane Karcher is the youngest of Charles & Nancy Knoedler’s family, and she resides in Oconomowoc, WI with husband David.  The Karchers have 4 children – daughter Jordan and sons Cody, Dylan and Jared, all of whom also live in Oconomowoc.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, December 1, 2017 for a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  A service celebrating and honoring Chuck’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Fringer officiating.  A private interment will take place at Green Ridge Cemetery in Kenosha.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life