Charles Raymond Wanninger

JANESVILLE - Charles Raymond Wanninger, 88, embarked on his greatest adventure Friday evening, November 24, 2017, from Greenfield, Wisconsin. Charlie was born on August 11, 1929 in Janesville, Wisconsin and met his future wife Evelyn (Goehl) in English class at Janesville High School. They were married in Emerald Grove, Wisconsin, on February 3, 1951. Charlie attended Milton College and earned his Masters Degree at the University of Wisconsin, proud to be a Badger. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland from 1952 through 1955, then returned to Milwaukee where he went to work for the Inland Steel Company, where his responsibilities included supplying the steel for the construction of the Sears Tower. He retired in 1986 in part due to a heart condition, but he and Evie enjoyed a long and happy retirement, moving back to their hometown of Janesville in 1992. Charlie was grateful for his many blessings and believed in serving others through volunteer work, including assisting special needs adults, reading with elementary school children, and his service with the Kiwanis Golden K in Janesville. He enjoyed golfing, long road trips, reading, and the avid observation and analysis of life. He and Evie were active members of the First Congregational Church in Janesville. We will always remember his generous spirit, love of life, and passion for doing the right thing. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Marie (Strampe) and John; his stepmother, Helen (Peters); brothers, David and Jerry Wanninger; brother-in-law, Jack Stephan; and two infant brothers. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn; children: Gail (Jim) McLaughlin, David (Patty) Wanninger, and John (Susan) Wanninger; and eight grandchildren: Celia, Caroline, and James McLaughlin, Jane (John Morrell), Charlie (Kassia Prystalski), Ellen, David, and Elizabeth Wanninger. He is further survived by his sister, Dolores Stephan; sisters-in-law, Joan Wanninger and Darla Wanninger; and many nieces, nephews, their families, and friends. Funeral services will be held at the Emerald Grove Congregational UCC, 8127 E. Hwy. 14, Janesville, at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 4, 2017. A visitation will be held at All Faiths Funeral Home, 1618 E. Racine St., Janesville, from 4 until 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2017, and again at 10 a.m. at Emerald Grove Church until the time of service. Burial will follow at the Emerald Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Emerald Grove Congregational Church (UCC). He lies in the city on the hill where so many of our loved ones are sleeping that Blessed sleep from which none ever wake to weep. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services Janesville (608) 754-8700 www.866allfaiths.com