Earl Charlton

1926 - 2021

Earl Charlton

Milwaukee - Earl Charlton, 94, of Milwaukee, WI, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2021, following an extraordinary life brimming with love, joy, achievement, and adventure.

Earl was born in the small historical logging town of Wabeno in northern Wisconsin in June 1926. Earl worked his way through his undergraduate years at Marquette University where he studied history before pursuing a law degree and graduating from Marquette Law School in 1950.

Earl was known throughout his life for his endless generosity, his infinite positivity, his passion for law and business, his commitment to public service, his dedication to family and friends, and his zest for the outdoors. Earl loved travelling and exploring the world, setting foot on all seven continents during his lifetime. Earl, fondly nicknamed 'the Early Bird' in the family for his penchant for rising at the crack of dawn, was always on-the-go. He enjoyed riding horses, hiking, and was a lifelong avid cyclist, continuing to bike regularly well into his 90s.

Earl had a steadfast work ethic and enjoyed a great deal of well-earned professional success. In 1990, he was a lead attorney in a landmark legal case that secured hunting and fishing rights for Indigenous Wisconsin tribes. In addition, Earl served on the board of directors of Catholic Family Insurance for many years, and for a long time, he was proudly the largest employer of women in Oconto County through his business ventures. Earl was a man of the people, a progressive, and a lifelong altruist. He found great joy connecting with others and was motivated at every step of his personal and professional life to serve the community, champion human rights, and promote the welfare of others. He continued his work in public service throughout his retirement through extensive pro-bono work.

While passionate about his professional endeavors, for Earl, family always came first. He is survived by his dear brother Bill, his five children Grant Charlton, Kristin (Brian) Charlton-Kellett, Dr. Guy Charlton, Dr. Nicola Charlton, and Mark (Barb) Charlton; his beloved grandchildren Avril, Caitlin (Dan), Claire, Graham (Melissa), Heather (Caleb), Keise, Kristin (Jacob), and Sara and his great-grandchildren Ryley and Ansel: all of whom he doted upon and who brought him incredible joy in his life. Earl is further fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, his lifelong friend Joanne, and his many colleagues, clients, and cherished friends in the Milwaukee, Wabeno, and Jensen Beach communities.

Earl Charlton was a remarkable man in every sense, with an inexhaustible joie de vivre, who loved and was loved by so many. He will be greatly missed forever. While the loss of such an extraordinary force-of-life and dearly loved Dad, Grandpa, and friend can never be replaced, his loved ones take comfort in a life well-lived and in the knowledge that Earl's contributions to law and public service will continue to effect positive change for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to Marquette University Law School: Eckstein Hall, Attn: Charlton Memorial Gift, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881.