Charles E. "Charlie" Dawes

Charlie Dawes, age 75, of Nekoosa, WI, passed away, unexpectedly, at his home, on May 1st, 2025.
Charlie was born on January 27, 1950, in La Crosse, WI to George and Marjorie Dawes. He grew up in La Crosse and was a 1968 graduate of La Crosse Central High. He continued his education at Lawrence University in Appleton WI. He met the love of his life, Barbara May, at a Wisconsin-Purdue football game in the fall of 1981. They were married on June 2nd, 1984.
Charlie worked as an air traffic controller at Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay WI. He retired in 2000 after 25 years of service.
Charlie was an avid sports enthusiast. He played basketball and football while in high school and loved watching both of those sports whether it was high school, college, or professional. He also enjoyed fishing with family and friends in Wisconsin and Florida.
Charlie had a passion for golf. Whether playing it or watching it, He was intrigued by the game and was always trying to perfect his swing. And no matter where his playing partner's ball landed, (behind a tree, next to a rock, in a pond etc.) he was notorious for always saying "You've got a shot!" Charlie was fortunate enough to attend many major sporting events in his life: The British Open, The US Open, The PGA, The 1982 World Series, The 1996-1997 Super Bowl in New Orleans, The 2001 Final Four in Minneapolis. For a man who loved sports, these events were a dream come true.
But Charlie was best known for his kind heart, great smile and wicked sense of humor! He was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back and would go to great lengths to please his family and friends. And he always loved a good laugh! You never knew what he might be thinking next!!!!
Charlie is survived by his wife, Barbara May-Dawes, two brothers, George (Carol) Dawes of Sun Prairie, WI, and John (Patty) Dawes of La Crosse, WI and two sisters, Sue Ruble and Kris (Joe) Bernhardt, both of La Crosse, and brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Sue May of Nekoosa. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Lance Ruble and Ron May. Charlie was a humble man who never thought of himself as special. But we who were fortunate enough to know him know just how special he was. He touched many lives with his kindness, love and humor and he will be missed dearly by many.
A memorial service will be held at Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa at a later date.