Charles S. "Chuckie" Pakanich

Chuckie, 72, went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on 03/11/23. He was born 10/27/50 in Green Bay to the late Charles "Chuck" and Lorraine "Sis" Pakanich (Ridgley). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life for over 40 years, Diane DeBauche (Chuckie always bragged "she chose me!"), and his good friend, Lynda Zilles. He is survived by his brother, Mike Pakanich (former wife Judy); sister, Julie (Gary) Drzewiecki; nieces and nephews: Eric (Dolly) Drzewiecki, Matthew (Kelly) Drzewiecki, Michelle (Joshua) Jensen, Tiffany (Giovanni) Galliano, Lauren Pakanich; and great nieces and nephews.
Chuckie enjoyed over 50 amazing years at ASPIRO (previously Brown County Community Service Center & BARC Industries). He called himself a "working man" and loved his many different jobs there, especially being honorary safety patrol fire marshal.
During Chuckie's lifetime, he enjoyed spending weekends by grandpa and grandma Ridgley, riding his bike, shooting hoops and pool, 4-wheeling, pinball, bowling, and countless days of shenanigans with his brother-in-law, nieces, and nephews. However, his passion for music was unmatched. Whether he was drumming along on his lap to The Lawrence Welk show, listening to records on his Wurlitzer jukebox, dancing with any willing partner, or singing along to a variety of tunes (the Beatles were his all-time favorite), his mood was always lifted when there was music. He was a self-acclaimed "drummer star" and loved playing his drums, guitar, harmonica, maracas, tambourine, and toy accordion. Chuckie also adored being surrounded by people and relished being in the middle of the action. He was called "Lucky Chuckie" because of his endless kindness and sincere optimism. Chuckie was always ready to greet you with open arms and a smooch, if you let him. His slapstick humor had him performing many comedy routines. He particularly enjoyed imitating The Three Stooges' famous line, "Whoop whoop whoop, nyuck nyuck nyuck, certainly! What have you got to lose?" He would take pride in remembering everything about the people he loved - their names, middle names, birthdays, the musical instruments they played, and was always cheerfully telling everyone how glad he was to have them in his life. But in the end, we were the lucky ones to have him in ours.
No matter the company, faces will always light up at the mention of one of his stories. Chuckie will be sorely missed but never forgotten!
Family and friends may call at Newcomer Funeral Home (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 3 to 7 PM. Visitation will continue at the funeral home, Monday, March 27, 2023 from 9 to 11 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM. Entombment will be in Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, 2770 Bay Settlement Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311.
In lieu of flowers, please instead consider making a donation in Chuckie's name to ASPIRO, 1673 Dousman St., Green Bay, 54303.
Special thanks to: ASPIRO and their entire loving and caring team, Julie at Brown County Social Services, Angela at Care Wisconsin, Lakeland Care Team, Country Villa Assisted Living Staff, and Bristol Hospice Staff for their assistance in Chuckie's care during his last years.