Charles R. Edlebeck

Charles R. Edlebeck, 82, of Caledonia, formerly of Wausaukee, passed away Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. 

Born May 10, 1939, he was raised in Wausaukee and at age 17 he enlisted in the United States Army where he was soon promoted to Staff Sergeant. After service, he settled in Oak Creek and met the love of his life, Sharon. 

He worked various jobs, including King Braeger Slaughter House and A.C. Sparkplug of where he was promoted to tech and worked on the first Apollo moon shot. After A.C., he moved on to selling used cars and opened his own body shop to repair vehicles and semi-trailers. Shortly after, he found his passion of developing and selling manufactured housing of which he was successful at and had owned and operated 13 housing communities across Wisconsin and Illinois. 

The couple settled in Greendale, Wi., where they lived for over 40 years raising their family. An avid member of Oak Creek Lions Club, he coordinated blood drives and he loved playing baseball on various leagues into his 50’s. 

As a child, he worked at his hometown bowling alley as a pin-setter where he developed a love for bowling and in 1982 he purchased the Wausaukee Bowl which he owned for over 20 years. 

A self-starter and successful entrepreneur, he had a vision and drive for success. His knowledge, wisdom and guidance was one of a kind. Anyone who knew him will remember his jokes and the pride he had for his family. He lent advice to anyone that  needed help, was driven by his strong morals and faith and was inspired by the freedom and opportunity of the American dream. 

He enjoyed fishing at his cottage on Ada lake, hunting on the family farm in Wausaukee, and traveling in his motor home across the United States with family, but his favorite was traveling with his wife and stopping at different casinos and landmarks. In later years, he enjoyed time with his wife, children and grandchildren. A wonderful man, his legacy will live in the memories of family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon (Fowle) Edlebeck; six children, Kathy Lucas, Alicia Edlebeck, Tricia (Eric) Fedikovich, Tamara (Antonino) LoPiparo, Daryl (Lindsey) Edlebeck and Ashley (Nathan) Gordon; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Arthur (Shirley) Edlebeck; a sister Arlene DeVault and many relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Viola Edlebeck; six siblings, Patricia, Donald, Richard, Robert, Janet and Mary-Jane; two daughters,  Jeanine and Debra and a grandson, Lane. 

Visitation was held at Krause Funeral Home in New Berlin on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 3 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., followed by a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation continued on Friday, Oct. 29  at St. Mary’s Catholic Faith Community in Hales Corners from 11:30 a.m. until time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Interment was at Forest Hill Memorial Park in Oak Creek.

A Memorial Service Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2022 in Wausaukee. Details will be announced at a later date.