Charles `Chuck` Ehemann

Chuck Ehemann passed away on April 10, 2023 at 10:14 am, interrupting his own schedule. Always a man with a plan, Chuck announced days in advance that he would be leaving the hospital for home at 1 pm that day. He made sure to inform every person assigned to his care with daily reminders of his intended departure. In the end, though he never made it home, his family believes that he made it safely to our heavenly home where, no doubt, his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, several life-long friends, and the Almighty God and His Son Jesus were waiting.

Chuck was born August 28, 1952, at Fort Sheridan, IL. He grew up on the south side of Chicago, in a predominately Irish Catholic neighborhood. After his biological father left the family, his mother, Mary, had the responsibility of raising Chuck and his sisters, Kathy and Mary Ellen, all aged five and under. His childhood memories of that time consisted of becoming an altar boy, playing in the alleys with the other boys, feeling he had to take care of his mom and sisters, and smoking for the first time at age 7.

Chuck was 9 when his mother introduced him to Jack Ehemann, a man who would become Chuck's true father for the rest of his life. He was a widower, with two sons, Phil and Ron. This combined family became a real-life Brady Bunch. When his youngest siblings, Sue and John, were born, the family was complete.

In August, 1971, Chuck drew #37 in the draft lottery. When he lost his student deferment at Western Illinois University due to missing classes because of mono, the army sent him to El Paso for basic training. Since he had mandatory ROTC classes at Waukegan Township High School, he instantly got a promotion and a raise on the first day. His major in college was Theater, so the Army assigned him the job of "entertainment specialist" and later, while stationed in Panama, the very cushy job of lifeguard. Though he never saw enemy fire in Vietnam, he was very proud to have served his country.

After the army, Chuck started working for his dad and uncle's brokerage company in Illinois selling meat and spices. During this time, he married one of his best friends from high school, Risa Chodan, bought his first home on a VA Loan, and learned the ropes of selling. He was then offered the job of sales manager at Wixon Spice Co. in St. Francis, WI. Making the difficult decision to leave his dad's company, he and Risa moved to Wisconsin. During this time, two beautiful daughters, Bridget and Sheila were born. Here, for the next 40 years, Chuck provided for his family by helping to grow this spice company into a multi-million-dollar company servicing the food industry. An opportunity arose to be an owner of the company he helped build, so Chuck would partner up with two great guys and Wixon is still growing today.

Chuck's friends were everything to him. Friends he had in high school stayed in his life. Moving to Wisconsin and knowing only a few co-workers, Chuck signed up for a volleyball class to make new friends, which was a life-changer. Soon it led to a softball league that included wives and kids, YMCA father-daughter outings, ski trips, Panama City Beach vacations, and constant parties with all these new friends. And, even though he was only one of two Chicago Bear fans in the group, everyone got along.

Finally, Chuck was an avid fisherman, boater, hunter, golfer and lover of all things outdoors. He was so lucky to have friends who enjoyed the same things, so he was never alone doing what he loved. Thankfully, Chuck was able to retire early, at age 62. For the next eight years, he and Risa traveled, mostly to France, where his daughter Bridget, son-in-law Olivier, and two sweet grandchildren live. Teaching his granddaughter to fish and watching her become a Chicago Bears fan made him so happy. And, he was thrilled to spend time with his baby grandson and make him laugh. Chuck also picked up a new hobby reading A LOT of novels. LessTV and more quiet time were new in his retirement life.

Chuck died at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison at age 70. Its true that he probably could have eaten healthier and partied a little less, but being Irish and living in Wisconsin led to a lifetime of fun and memories that can never be replaced. From the moment that he started feeling unwell, Chuck, a very honest man, took entire responsibility for his health. His last bit of advice to all was to get your hernias repaired.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Risa, of 45 years, daughter Bridget (Olivier) Teissier of France; daughter Sheila (Matt Campbell); two sweet grandchildren, Claire and William; brothers Phil (Carol), John Paul (Debbie) and Ron Ehemann; sisters Kathy Cramer, Mary Ellen (Dave) Brown, and Sue OBrien (Stacy Woldt); as well as so many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and their children who were so important to him. He always felt that he was a lucky, lucky man who had a very blessed life.

A short visitation will be April 27, at St. Mary's Parish in Hales Corners at 10 am with memorials starting at 10:30 and Mass at 11 am followed by military honors. A party to celebrate Chuck's life will begin after Mass. No need for flowers, instead a donation to your favorite charity would be appreciated. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home, Baraboo, WI is assisting the family.