Obituary: Charles Dale Lautenbach

Nov. 23, 1942 – Nov. 25, 2019

Charles Dale Lautenbach, 77, of the Town of Sevastopol died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

Charlie was born in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Charles and Minerva (Vertz) Lautenbach. Charlie attended Sunny Point Grade School and Sevastopol High School until he purchased Sunny Point Dairy from his father, which he owned and operated for 25 years.

On Aug. 17, 1963, Charlie married Nancy Kathleen Carmody at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Institute. They spent 49 years together before she died Oct. 12, 2012. Charlie enjoyed playing pool; taking drives with his beloved dog, Bozo; and pulling antique tractors with his good friend, Ralph Bochek (recently winning at the 2019 thresheree!).

Charlie always believed the best way to spend a nice day is outside, drink in hand, sharing laughs over food with friends. Charlie was known for bringing others together and spent his free time helping neighbors and friends fix any item imaginable, whether it was a piece of farm equipment, household appliance or a bike the neighborhood kids would occasionally bring by because they knew “Mr. Charlie” could fix anything.

During the weeks leading up to his passing, Charlie spent each day with friends and family – some who traveled long distances to say a final farewell – often sharing that he lived a fun, full life surrounded by a caring community, and that was his version of joy.

Charlie will be missed by his sons, Pete Lautenbach (special friend, Julie), Lewis Lautenbach, and Tom Lautenbach; grandchildren, Jeff and Samantha Stoeger; brothers, David (Janet) Lautenbach, Dan (Jan) Lautenbach, and Larry (Cheryl) Lautenbach; son-in-law, Chuck Stoeger; brothers-in-law, Gerald (Nancy) Carmody and Lee Kita; sister-in-law, Donna (Ray) Smith; loyal pug, Bozo; and many nieces and nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Minerva Lautenbach; wife, Nancy Lautenbach; daughter, Melissa Stoeger; nephews, Donny Lautenbach and Scott Kita; and niece, Joan Doubek.

Charlie’s celebration of life will be held at the Institute Saloon on a date to be announced after the new year. Memorials may be made in his name to Door CANcer or Unity Hospice.

Huehns Funeral Home and Door County Crematory are assisting the Lautenbach family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Charlie can be shared on this tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.

DONATIONS

Unity (Hospice and Palliative Care)
2366 Oak Ridge Circle, De Pere, WI 54115
Tel: 800.990.9249
Web: unityhospice.org

DOOR CANcer
P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Web: doorcancer.com