Charles O. "Charlie" WALTZ

WALTZ, Charles O. "Charlie" Charlie passed away peacefully July 4, 2017 at Tucson VA Hospice. Charlie was born in Mishawaka, IN on November 16, 1931. Charlie joined the Air Force in 1951. He proudly served in Alaska, Germany, and Vietnam. In 1972 he retired in Phoenix as a Senior Master Sergent. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1972 Charlie went to work for Penny's Tucson Mall store and set up their Western Store retiring in 1992 with 20 years. He then went to work at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and became a lead driver retiring at 82 years old. Charlie was involved in the JC Vigilantes group who stopped tourists that were passing through Tucson and made them honorary guests of the Tucson Rodeo, which he was a part of for 30 years. He was also a big part of the Marine's Toys for Tots drive at Christmas. Charlie's life was surrounded by the Paint horses he raised and the many Paint and Quarter Horse shows he announced around the state of Arizona. He will always be remembered for the stories and jokes he had to tell and what a great friend he was to all. Charlie is survived by his wife of 17 years, Peg; stepson, Tom Bottensek of New London, WI; step grandchildren, Clay and Emma of Neenah, WI; two children from his first marriage, son, Chuck of Altamonte Springs, FL and granddaughter, Montara of Scottsdale, AZ and daughter, Kim of Tucson, AZ; sister, Janice of Tallahassee, FL and second cousin, Joey Valentine of Mishawaka, IN and numerous nieces and nephews. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Mary and brother, Pat. Cremation has been conducted. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Care for the Horses at PO Box 884, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. The family would like to thank the Tucson VA Hospice staff and all of the volunteers for their loving care and wonderful help with Charlie's final days.