Charles “Chuck” Ganske, 77, of rural Beaver Dam went to be with his heavenly father on January 18, 2017 in Titusville, Florida surrounded by family. He bravely fought a courageous battle with Systemic Lupus. He was a lifetime member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam. He was born April 10, 1939 in Beaver Dam to Stanley and Warrene (Spear) Ganske. He graduated from Juneau High School in 1957 and attended short course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Charles was a member of the Army Reserves.
He was united in marriage to Virginia Maryott at Grace Presbyterian Church. After they were married, they began their life together as dairy farmers. On the farm, they raised three children.
In his younger years, Charles was an active member of the Highland Prairie 4H Club. He showed animals at the Dodge County Fair, Wisconsin State Fair and Junior Livestock Exposition in Madison. He went on to join the American Berkshire Association.
He loved playing basketball and baseball in high school. After high school, he refereed basketball andenjoyed league bowling with friends.
His hobby and occupation was farming – it was his life. Over the years, he farmed up to 500 acres and at retirement milked 82 cows. Early on, he spent summers working in the canning factory and the Dodge County co-op. In 2001, he retired from dairy farming, but stayed actively involved switching over to beef and crops.
In retirement, Chuck enjoyed his winter home in Florida, traveling and helping his son farm. He was an avid Packer fan. Spending time with family was what he cherished most and watching his nine grandchildren grow up.
Charles is survived by his wife Virginia, children Michael (Lisa) Ganske of North Oaks, MN, Julie (David) Woodward of Columbus and Craig Ganske Sr. of Juneau. His sister Joan (Ganske) Goodrich of Burnett. His grandchildren Lauren, Rachel, and Erica Ganske of North Oaks, MN; Shelby, Hailey, and Macy Woodward of Columbus and Craig Jr., Carter and Kirsten Ganske of Juneau. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and WarreneGanske, mother and father- in-law, Clarence and Gladys Maryott and brother-in-law, Calvin “Kelly”Goodrich.
A celebration of life is scheduled Tuesday, January 24 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam. Visitation will be at the church from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a church service to follow. Interment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam.
Memorials gifts will be given to Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam and The Lupus Foundation of America.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and caregivers for the wonderful care they provided andthank family and friends for their prayers and visits.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
