Charles Mullins

1920 - 2012

Mullins, Charles

Charles M. Mullins, 92, Schofield, formerly from Stratford, passed away peacefully at St. Clare's Hospital on Sunday, November 4, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a rich full life, and had many good friends.

Charles was born April 11, 1920, in Reedsville, WI, to the late Melvin and Ellen (Fenlon) Mullins. He took great pride in his Irish ancestry. On Sept. 9, 1944 he married Marie Zemski at Sacred Heart Church, in Cassel. During World War II, Charles served in the US Army as a sergeant in the infantry and as a mail orderly, having been stationed in the Aleutian Islands in Adak, Alaska.

Charles was a life-long cheese maker, having retired in 1974. He owned and operated several cheese factories in Marathon County through the years and was also co-owner of Rib Falls Sales for 30 years. While residing in Stratford, he was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the Stratford VFW, and the Knights of Columbus in Marshfield. At present, he was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church, Rothschild.

Charles enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and friends, hunting, playing cards, RV travels with his wife, and music. He was a faithful listener of polka music on Sunday mornings. He was blessed with a sharp mind that never abandoned him. The computer became his pastime in his later years. He also became an avid Brewers and Packers fan.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marie; daughters, Carol (Jack) Rashleger, Racine; Polly (Don) Leinwander, Cedar, MN; Linda (Norm) Knauf, Kronenwetter; son, Perry, Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Wanda Jacoby, Cory Leinwander, Amy (Matt) Cotton, Erin (Darin) Rippentrop, and Will Mullins; great grandchildren, Brandon and Brittany Cordova, Ryah and Grayson Cotton, Penelope and Sawyer Rippentrop, and great-great grandson, Tandon Cordova. He is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Krautkramer and Betty Rausch, and brothers, John and Joe Mullins.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 602 Military Rd., Rothschild, WI on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at 12:00 p.m. The Rev. Allan Slowiak will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until time of the service at the church. Private entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel with full military honors. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Clare's Hospital Intensive Care Unit for the comfort they gave the family, as well as the associates of the Marshfield Clinic for their care and support.