Charles C. Possehl

Chuck, Charles, or Charlie, depending on who knew him, was a fighter. A generous, kind, honest, thoughtful, caring, trusting, positive and cherished man. He was a dear person and will be sorely missed.

His last years were riddled with chronic health hardships that put him in the hospital repeatedly in 2018 and 2019. Some of these health issues had first begun a decade or more ago. The end was like it started when he came into the world. As an infant he was not expected to live long. Yet, he continued to fight for 81 years until the end. He whispered days before his death, “I’m still fighting.” His body, however, said something different.

He is now back with his ‘Honey Wife’ Leone to whom he was married for 48 years. He was a loving, dedicated and devoted husband and friend to her providing support, care, and his talent of improvising steps, ramps and other things to make it easier for her. The encouragement, care, support, and love he showed his children and grandchildren will be forever cherished, and has molded and shaped their lives in the best of ways.

Many called him ‘Uncle’– from those who were related to those he loved, and who to him were family. This is also the case of being a ‘father’ and a ‘brother’ to many family members and also friends. Friends, of course, included his neighbors. His kind nature endeared him to those he met and those he was close to. He made you feel special and secure, and he would always lend a helping hand.

From High School he was drafted into the Army.  Ft. Leonard Wood, MO was where basic training took place. The advice was: don’t volunteer for driver because you might end up with a wheel barrow. Driver, he did request, and it worked out because he drove for laundry/uniforms in basic. He then went to Ft. Hood, Texas where he drove semis with ammunition, and tankers. He fondly recalled these times.

When he was discharged he signed up for the reserves in Milwaukee, as well as starting with the Milwaukee County Forestry Division. He planted thousands of trees and shrubs throughout the Milwaukee County Parks, and in the Mitchell Park Domes. As he told it, after a handful of years in forestry, he decided shimmying up a tree at 55 years old did not sound good. From Forestry he went to the Milwaukee County Highway Department. He worked hard, and did side work at night and on weekends mowing lawns and doing concrete work, too.

He stayed at the Main Shop working on the bridge crew for many years having a hand in all bridges in the county. Walls by the stadium were also included. After feeling the effects of bridge crew work having to hold back loud, 90 pound hammers from going through the bridge deck, he decided to go to North Shop on Hopkins. North Shop work included distress lanes with hot asphalt from County Line down to Bender on both sides in 100 degree temperatures. He was all over the place in Milwaukee County. During these years, came the stories of workers running up hills when tire squealing was heard, to avoid injury from vehicles.

Even after early retirement from the County in the mid-1990’s, he had a great time driving around Southern Wisconsin working for Muggli Dental Studio. He enjoyed the travel, meeting people, and talking with people on the different deliveries.

He enjoyed sports; playing volleyball and bowling in his younger years, and always watching others—especially the kids and grandkids. Milwaukee Brewers, and Green Bay Packers were his favorites, but racing was also a keen interest with NASCAR, early Indy/CART racing and NHRA. His last weeks were spent enjoying the sports channel and listening to some country music.

He left a lasting legacy for family, friends, and many others. There is an abundance of love which is reflected back on him in memories.

Services will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, May 10, 2019. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, service to follow at 6:00 PM. Burial will be at Highland Memorial Park on Monday May 13th, 2019 at 1:00 PM.