Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
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Charles “Chuck” William Koeck, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2020, at his home. Chuck was born on January 7, 1958, to Richard and Marilyn (Vander Schaaf) Koeck in Fond du Lac, WI. He attended Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac from 1972-1976. Chuck was a loving husband to his wife Mary of thirty-nine years, and an exceptional father to four children; Elizabeth (John) Van Ruiswijk, Margaret Koeck, Kathryn (Jacob) Derse and William (Lisa Bolton) Koeck and three grandchildren; Gwen Van Ruiswijk, Charles and Harrison Derse.
Chuck’s first pride and joy was his family. Chuck and Mary dated for only one month before they became engaged. They married a year later on June 13, 1981. Together, Chuck and Mary were a formidable pair when raising their four children. He would drop everything to be there for them. It didn’t matter if it was in the pouring rain, an ice storm or if he was in a different state; if one of his children needed him, he would be there. Chuck always enjoyed going to his children’s dance recitals, sporting events, and concerts. His little pregame notes stuck inside sandwiches, wishing his children good luck, or pep talks and fist bumps prior to the first whistle was just what they needed to shake the jitters. He was their number 1 fan. Chuck worked hard to build a home in Winneconne his family would be comfortable in. His summers were spent preparing the pool for family parties and mowing the lawn for hours, which he loved doing.
Chuck had a personality larger than life which left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known for making people laugh so hard until they cried. Chuck gave so much to those around him.
Chuck dedicated his life to teaching children. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh in 1989, he taught for the Oshkosh School District at Washington Elementary and Carl Traeger Elementary for 25 years. His non-conventional, humorous ways of teaching brought smiles to everyone’s face. The impact he had on his students and colleagues made the world a better place.
During retirement he started making caramels as a hobby, but it quickly grew into a successful business venture, Charlie’s Caramels, LLC. He was very proud of his candies and so meticulous about the quality of every batch. He left a little bit of his heart in each piece of candy.
Chuck loved to cook and bake; he made sure that no one ever went hungry. He was always trying new recipes, but had his homemade favorites like chip dip, pretzel salad and Thanksgiving in a bun. Chuck always managed to put a little extra love and joy into his baking, cooking and grilling. Chuck’s specialties were often requested by his nieces and nephews at family gatherings, which he graciously did to make them happy.
Chuck loved to play board games and card games like Parcheesi and Canasta with anyone he thought he could beat, making up rules as the game was in progress or even threatening to call the game manufacturer for a rule clarification. Chuck also loved getting together with his group of Sheepshead guys where they played some serious cards and shared some not so serious jokes.
Along with his wife, children and grandchildren, Chuck is survived by Rick (Nancy) Koeck of Prairie du Sac; Michael (Laurinda) Koeck of Fond du Lac; Debra (Chuck) Rosen of Antioch, IL; Ann (Michael) Mielke of Fond du Lac; Jim (Jane) Klein of Appleton; James (Barbara) Schneider of Fond du Lac; Joseph (Becky) Schneider of Fond du Lac; Catherine (John) Davies of Danville, CA and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marilyn (Vander Schaaf) Koeck; and in-laws Cletus and Ruth (Steffes) Schneider.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church 210 Pleasant Dr. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family with arrangements.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Vaughn & Tami Noffke wrote on January 10, 2021
Mary, we are so sorry for the loss of Chuck. You two always kept Vaughn laughing, when working on your house! Kids, your dad was a great man. Not everyone can share the closeness they felt when with their dad. God bless you all in the difficult days ahead.
Nancy Horn wrote on December 15, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear about Chuck. He definitely influenced my kids while in high school. He always had a smile and encouraging word when they needed it. I thank him for that! I pray your family finds peace and is able to get through this tough time together. Thinking about and praying for you all.
Marie Scherer Haszard wrote on December 15, 2020
Very sorry for your loss.This time of the year makes it worse.We lost dad on the 12-23-12 and we came in from Florida to snow and cold no fun at all. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Blair family wrote on December 12, 2020
Mr. Koeck was my son's 3rd grade teacher his last year teaching at Traeger. Drew loved Mr. Koeck! I was a paraprofessional at Traeger at the time and he invited Drew and my kindergarten daughter into his room many days after school to wait for me to be done with work! He paid them in candy to sweep his room! ??
They both still talk about it! My prayers are with all his family and friends. Mary, Scott, Drew and McKenzie Blair
June Anderson wrote on December 12, 2020
So sorry to hear about Chuck... our years together at Washington were certainly an adventure! My condolences to you Mary- and the rest of the family...
Jane Elizabeth Rutger Nick Mitch & Peter wrote on December 12, 2020
To Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret, Kathryn, & Bill: You are all in our prayers, with Chuck. We are so sorry to know he passed. God bless Chuck&you all, with your families. Mary, don't hesitate to call on the boys if you need help with anything.
Daniel Wojahn wrote on December 11, 2020
I will always remember Mr. Koeck as a nice teacher and the head of safety patrol at Traeger. Rest in peace Mr. Koeck.
Jean Merrill (Aspatore) wrote on December 11, 2020
I am so very sad to hear about Chuck's passing. He was always a nice and fun person. It was always a joy to run into him and talk (always bringing up wonderful memories). We were in school together from kindergarten through high school. Chuck made others feel comfortable; he was a special person. In winter, while in grade school, Chuck, me, and other friends would hang out at the Water's School Skating Rink. We all skated together and played "King of the Hill" on the snow banks. Chuck was the kind of person, who would always put a smile on your face. I am sure Chuck is looking down and smiling.
Sarah Griswold and family wrote on December 11, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Chucks passing. My oldest (now a freshman) had him as a teacher for 2nd or 3rd grade, in his last year of teaching. I remember her being terrified of having a male teacher for the first time and he quickly (and still ranks up there) became one of her favorite teachers. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Julie and Wayne Abler wrote on December 10, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Chuck. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and family. ????
Celesta Griffiths wrote on December 10, 2020
It always put a smile on my face to see Chuck leading his 3rd graders through Washington's hallways!
Diane Malchow wrote on December 10, 2020
My sons had Mr. Koeck as their 4th grade teacher at Washington Elementary. They enjoyed his teaching and we all have very fond memories of him. May all your family memories hold dear to your heart.
Gerard Keuler wrote on December 10, 2020
Chuck was our son Jim's teacher at Traeger. Always was up front with the kids. He will be missed.
Becky and Bill Matzke wrote on December 10, 2020
Our daughter was in Mr. Koeck's class at Traeger, and he was a wonderful teacher. We have great memories of how he motivated everyone to read, his encouragement to his students, and of course his laugh. Our sincere condolences to all his family members.
Debbi Locascio wrote on December 10, 2020
Margaret,, I am so sorry for your loss. For your families loss. Please know I am thinking and praying for all of you. Dad sounds amazing!
Karl and Rachael Peschke wrote on December 10, 2020
Chuck was such a sweet man and was so welcoming when when we met him and every time after that. We will never forget him and his loving kindness. Such a life well lived.
Lynn Ruedinger wrote on December 9, 2020
I didn't know Chuck really well...he often subbed for me or my paraprofessionals in my special education classroom over the last few years. He had a great rapport with my students. His calm demeanor and humor helped diffuse many difficult situations. Chuck went above and beyond as a sub, bringing in his now-famous caramels as treats and helping plan and participate in special events with our students. Chuck touched many people's lives, including mine. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of you. May God bless you at this difficult time.
Julie and Pete Yost wrote on December 9, 2020
We are so very sorry for your loss. Such a shock. Mary, if you need help with anything, please call.
Esther K. Mand wrote on December 9, 2020
To all Chuck Koeck's Family:
My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. It's never easy to lose a loved one, but may the care & support of family & friends, along with the fond memories of Chuck, help to give you some comfort & peace.
With my sincerest sympathy,
Esther Mand
Cecelia ,Gary Jones, Brent ,Katie and Chelsey McCoy wrote on December 9, 2020
Remembering Chuck with his calm demeanor and pleasant personality. With all our children being friends. We will always remember him. Many blessings to your family at this time of loss.
Vicki Jones Bartz, Find du lac Wi. wrote on December 9, 2020
I haven't seen Chuck probably since 1975, I graduated a year ahead of him. Seeing this obituary triggered a memory.We attended Jefferson grade school in 9th St. We had a split class 2nd and 3rd grades.Our teacher was Helen Mahoney, it was St Patrick's day, 1966. Miss Mahoney was very proud of her Irish heritage and we celebrated all day. It was a crazy warm day for March 17 and we outside for alot of the school day. In the afternoon , Miss Mahoney sent Chuck and Phil Johnson over to Crouch's grocery store at Tenth and Main to buy us all ice cream.Those little cups with the wooden spoons. It was a glorious day and Chuck was a sweet boy, so very sorry for your loss, sounds like he grew into a wonderful man.
Sheila and Greg Frank wrote on December 9, 2020
Mr.Koeck was my Childerns teacher at Washington school they now are in their mid. thirties and have kids of their own. He was such a great role model for our oldest Forrest. We really had to put that kid into shape and it worked. We like to say were very saddened that Mr. Koeck left so soon God had other plans. With the Holiday coming we hope you find peace and comfort. God will hive you that peace. Thanks for being a great teacher for. Forrest and Nadine Bauer