Charles Andrews

Charles Andrews, 93, of 500 Maona Avenue, Fond du Lac, died Monday, June 27, 2011, at the St. Francis Home.He was born on June 5, 1918, in Oxford, Wisconsin, a son of Charles E. and Florence M. Smith Andrews.Following his graduation in 1935 from West Division High School, Milwaukee, he spent one year at Milwaukee Vocational School.On August 2, 1941, he married Adeline A. Lahl in Milwaukee.In July of 1942, he enlisted and served with the United States Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet. He graduated in January of 1944 as a pilot, second lieutenant, and flew B24’s out of Italy and over Europe, completing 44 missions until the Germans surrendered. He remained active flying in the Air Force as a reservist, and served as commander of the 933rd Troop Carrier Group, part of the 440th Air Wing, retiring in 1968 at the rank of colonel. Charles received the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He was a member of the 376th Heavy Bombardment Group, serving as president from 2005-2007. The group met every year since 1947. He was a member of the Reserve Officers Association, serving as president of the Fond du Lac Chapter. He was also member of Trier Puddy Post 75.Charles moved to Fond du Lac in 1952, working with Nabisco as a salesman until 1966. He joined IDS (Investors Diversified Services) in 1966, serving as a financial representative until his retirement in 1985.On May 16, 1987, he married Rita M. Luebke. Charles married Doreen A. Tadych on June 23, 2002, at Hope Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac.He was a very active member of Hope Lutheran Church, serving on numerous committees and as an usher for over 50 years. Charles was also a member of the Gideons and was a docent at Galloway House and Village. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and growing his own flowers from seeds.He is survived by his wife, Doreen; four children: Judy (Ronald) Felsner of Waukesha, Sharon “Sherrie” (Dennis) Wittkopf of Fond du Lac, Charles Jr. (Marlene) Andrews of Fond du Lac, and John (Carol) Andrews of Waukesha; a stepdaughter, Charisse (Paul) Sylvester; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Andrews of Oconomowoc.He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; and two brothers: Richard (Shirley) Andrews, and Donald Andrews.The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011, at Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Allen Bramstadt officiating. Burial will follow in Rienzi Cemetery.Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac, and on Friday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.Memorials may be directed to Hope Lutheran Church or Agnesian Healthcare Hospice.

Charles Andrews

June 5, 1918 - June 27, 2011