Charles J. Deininger

Charles J. “Charlie” Deininger, 92, Marathon, WI, died at home on Sunday, August 19, 2018, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and surrounded by family.

He was born November 4, 1925 in Stratford, son of the late John and Theresa (Schuster) Deininger. He married Anita Wislinsky on June 1, 1957 at St Josaphat Catholic Church in Oshkosh. She survives.

Charles served his country in the Navy during WWII as a bow gunner aboard a PBM mariner aircraft. He was a member of the American Legion Post #469, Marathon, and served 2 years as commander.

In his youth, Charlie worked as a “gopher” at the Marathon City Brewery. Right after coming out of the service, Charlie worked coat check at Rib River Ballroom and at a piston ring factory. From 1948 until 1992, he owned and operated his own business in automobile service, repair, and used car sales. After that, Charlie delivered parts for NAPA for more than 15 years.

Charlie was an active member of his community, serving the Village of Marathon as Treasurer for 24 years and was a member and past-president of the Water Board for 62 years. He also served as a member and past-president of the board at St. Mary’s Parish.

Charlie made friends wherever he went and always had a story or joke to share. He enjoyed reminiscing about the past and making new memories in the present. Over the years, he used his carpentry and auto repair skills to lend a hand wherever it was needed, and in his later years he enjoyed putting together challenging jigsaw puzzles. Charlie especially enjoyed spending time with family, frequently attending school and sporting events.

Survivors include his wife, Anita, Marathon; six children; Lisa (Jim) Hurtis, Wausau, Andrew (Teri) Deininger, Edgar, David (Evy) Deininger, Appleton, Amy Horton, Chicago, Illinois, Matthew Deininger, Nashotah, and Beth (Chuck) Altfillisch, Marathon; 12 grandchildren: Elise (Jon) Turner, Blake and Adam Hurtis, Megan Deininger, Michael Deininger, Brianna (Chris) Mauney, Declan Horton, Tyler, Bailey, and Bryn Deininger, Alanie (Luke) Mucha, and Ella Altfillisch; 2 step-grandchildren: Dustin (Rachel) Altfillisch, and Ryan (Johanna) Stieber; 3 great-grandchildren: Kyleigh Wert, Kinsley Mauney, and Warren Turner; 4 step-great-grandchildren: Landen and Bayze Altfillisch, and Marty and Jensen Stieber; siblings: Rita Madden, Denver, Colorado, and Thomas (Janice) Deininger, Marathon; and sisters-in-law: Dona Deininger, Dellwood, MN, and Marlene Deininger, Wausau.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his brothers Alwin and Sylvester Deininger, brother-in-law, James Madden, son-in-law, Daniel Horton, Jr., and nephew, Jim Deininger.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Inurnment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The members of American Legion, Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon will have a military vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at the Marathon funeral home and also military honors Saturday at the church. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established to benefit St Mary’s Catholic Church and American Legion Post #469.    

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