Charles Marks Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Charles Allen Marks, age 60, of Wautoma, formerly of Berlin, was taken far too soon on Friday, January 4, 2019, at Ripon Medical Center. Charlie was born on July 8, 1958 in Waukesha WI, the son of Donald and Phyllis (Boyce) Marks. He graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1977 and this is where he met the love of his life, Cathy Wichser. In 1981, Charlie graduated from Marquette University as cum laude of his class and married Cathy on July 17, 1982 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waukesha. He was employed by the Wisconsin Electric Power Company directly out of college and was a valued employee for 15 years when he accepted a job as Administrator of the Green Lake Sanitary District. This new employment caused the family to relocate in Berlin and later settling into their dream home on Little Hills Lake in Wautoma. Charlie thoroughly enjoyed his position in Green Lake, he had a passion for his job and a love of Green Lake. He became an accomplished grant writer for the district. His grant writing skills benefited not only the people of the district but helped in the conservancy of properties, fish rearing and contributed to the purchase of Camp Grow. In 2007 he was awarded the prestigious Caestecker Award for his dedication and contributions. This honor is given only to individuals who have exerted an exceptional influence on affairs benefitting the Big Green Lake community. He truly loved his work and never looked at it like a job. He loved the connections and relationships he was able to form throughout the years. Charlie was very athletic and enjoyed many sports. He played many years on the top softball team in the Waukesha area and later enjoyed coaching his son’s sports teams. He always enjoyed golfing with his three sons; called it his “perfect 4some”. He was a man of strong conviction and faith. Charlie and Cathy took a walk every morning and would pray and say the rosary together. He always reminded his family to put God first and the rest would fall into place. Nearly, if not daily, he would say, “Our goal is to be in heaven together one day.” This passion made him a great example for his family as he wanted to pave the way for them into heaven. Charlie and Cathy loved to entertain and welcome ALL to their lake home. Many, many wonderful memories were made there and will be cherished forever. His laughter and positive energy was truly contagious, he had a special way of getting everyone around him in stitches and in a good mood... there was never a dull moment when Charlie was around. Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; his cherished children, Stuart Marks, Paulina (Paul) Wise, Andy Marks, Pete Marks; pride and joy grandchildren, Lazar, Mila, and Leo; brother, Tom (Lisa) Marks; sisters, Sue (Jim) Cerroni and Donna (Paul) Manley. By being part of Cathy’s family for over 42 years, Charlie will also be extremely missed by his other brothers too: Mike (Mary) Wichser, Lee (Renée) Wichser, Dan (Kathy) Wichser, Joe Wichser, Mark (Alyce) Wichser and so many nieces and nephews and many friends who he loved and enjoyed spending time with.” He was preceded in death by his parents. He truly felt blessed to have spent so much time with his beautiful family and was so proud of his children and how they have grown that it often brought him to tears. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019. The family will receive guests starting at 8am until the time of mass at 11am at St. James Catholic Parish of Neshkoro. In place of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be directed to Summit Educational Association or Avastrong Charity for Children

Charles Marks

July 8, 1958 - January 4, 2019