Charles D. Jansen

Charles D. Jansen, 72, Marathon, died Thursday, May 26, 2011 at Ministry St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield. He was born July 30, 1938 in the town of Mosinee, son of the late Bernard "Ben" and Anna (Franz) Jansen. Charlie married Shirley Kage on October 27, 1962 at St. John's Catholic Church, Edgar. Charlie was a millwright at the Wausau Paper Brokaw Mill for many years, but also did drywall work in his younger years and farmed ginseng. He served for 8 years in the Army Reserves and was a member of the Marathon City Village Board for several years. Charlie was always curious about how things worked and had a natural knack for figuring out how to fix or improve machines or to create new contraptions - spending many hours tinkering in his shed. He had a great drive for learning and trying new things. This led to a long list of hobbies that Charlie enjoyed throughout his life, including reading, photography, genealogy, gardening, metal-crafting, woodworking, traveling, home brewing, politics, and deer hunting. He particularly loved spending time with his family and friends, and especially loved playing with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, Marathon; four sons, Charles E. (Lynn) Jansen, Hudson, WI; Patrick (Patricia) Jansen, Scotia, NY; Andrew (Rosalie) Jansen, Bolingbrook, IL; Matthew (Susan) Jansen, Marshfield; and one daughter, Debra Jansen, Eau Claire; six grandchildren: Laura, Kevin, Luke, Adam, Ethan, and Cade Jansen; two stepgrandchildren: Robyn (Mario) Marino and Jeff White; two stepgreat-grandchildren: Isabella and Arianna Marino; one sister, Helen Tamborino, Wausau; two brothers: Richard Jansen, West Bend, WI; Ben (Gen) Jansen, Mosinee; two sisters-in-law, Erna Jansen, Marathon; and Jean (Dean) Andrews, Jacksonville, IL; one brother-in-law, Roger (Betty) Kage, Mosinee; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by three brothers; Norbert, Walter, and Harry Jansen; and one sister, Mary Ann Imhoff. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 4 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2011 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of services all at the church. The family wishes to thank the staff at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield Clinic and the Wausau Kidney Center for the wonderful care given to Charlie. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com