Charles Vellema

Vellema, Charles "Chuck"

Charles "Chuck" Vellema, 94, of Brandon, formerly of the town of Waupun, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Waupun Memorial Hospital.

Chuck was born May 5, 1919 in the town of Springvale, the son of Peter and Tena Wallendal Vellema. During WWII Chuck served with Company "L" 47th Infantry 9th Division in the European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater. After four years of service, three of them overseas, Chuck was honorably discharged on July 18, 1945. For his participation, Chuck was awarded many honors including five Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. On August 4, 1945 Chuck married Nova E. Wagner in Brandon. Together they owned and operated a dairy farm in the town of Waupun. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2009. He was a representative of the Waupun Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and served as treasurer for the town of Waupun for over 40 years. He served as Grange Master in the Rising Sun Grange, and was a member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. He served on a committee in the building of Amity School. Chuck was a member of Union-Congregational Church in Waupun where he was a deacon and a trustee. Chuck was a member of the American Legion Post 210 and Disabled Veterans. In 1965 he was chosen as the Waupun Chamber of Commerce Father of the Year. Chuck enjoyed traveling, having driven to most of the states as well as visiting Alaska and Canada. He was an avid Brewers and Packers fan. He liked to tinker and there wasn't anything he couldn't fix. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Chuck was a hard worker who truly loved family and farming and the simple pleasures that country life afforded.

Chuck is survived by a son, Dennis (Jane) Vellema of Waupun; three daughters, Claire (Dan) Sobieski of Plymouth, Nancy (Ron) Conley of Fort Mill, SC, and Cathy (Eric) Hoogstra of Glenbeulah; nine grandchildren, Kristie (Dan) Buwalda of Waupun, Ben (Mandy) Vellema of Waupun, Matt (Tracy) Vellema of Waupun, Jenny (Don) Endres of Sauk City, Jeff (Julie) Sobieski of Muskego, Jeremy (Amy) Abig of Charlotte, NC, Joe (Lauren) Abig of Charlotte, NC, and Abe and Jake Hoogstra of Glenbeulah; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Willis Guelph of Ontario, Canada and Florence Tauschman of Fond du Lac; sister-in-law, Shirley Uecker of Waupun; and nieces, nephews, and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nova; and a grandson, Zac Hoogstra.

A special thanks to Marvin's Manor girls, especially Betsy, Amanda, Hazel, Nancy, Stacie, Rose Ann, and Katelyn. Also thanks to Waupun Memorial Hospital staff and Agnesian Hospice for their tender loving care.

The family requests memorials be directed to American Legion Post 210 in Waupun or Union-Congregational Church in Waupun.

Memorial services for Chuck Vellema will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at Union-Congregational Church in Waupun with Rev. Jack Kraaz officiating. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. American Legion Post 210 will provide military honors.

Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Please visit our website at www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for further information and to send condolences.