Charles Fox

Although he enjoyed a colorful palette of interests throughout his life, there was nothing more precious to Charles “Chuck” Fox than his family. He had a way of making sure that each member of his family knew they were dearly loved as he mastered the art of being a student of others. A hard working man, Chuck also found the time to enjoy so much of what life has to offer. He was skilled in a variety of areas and no matter the task at hand, Chuck was the man for the job. Someone who put the harmony in the everyday melody of life, Chuck touched the hearts of many and will be dearly missed.

If one could turn back the hands of time, America would look remarkably different during the year 1917 than the life we know in America today. This was the year that our nation entered the First World War, but there were struggles back home, too. Unsafe working conditions were found in factories across the nation and with no child labor laws, children were often among the unfortunate employees. This same year was one of great joy for the family of John R. and Emma “Mame” (Zimmer) Fox since it was on September 18th that they welcomed the birth of their son, Charles. Born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, Chuck, as he was most often known, was one of five children in his family including his brothers, J. Bernard, Richard, and Peter, and his sister, Margaret. He attended local schools, graduating from Washington Park High School as part of the class of 1935.

In his early twenties, Chuck and friend Irv Vrana, who later became Chuck’s brother-in-law, traveled, via Route 66, in a Ford Model A to Southern California to play golf and enjoy the sites. They had the unique opportunity to hear a young Nat King Cole and his trio play in the bar of a bowling alley somewhere in Sothern California.

Then, back home in Racine, new and exciting changes were in store for Chuck when he was set up on a blind date with the woman he would share a lifetime of love with. Her name was Ella Poulsen and it didn’t take long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. They became husband and wife on August 5, 1944. The couple was delighted to become parents to two daughters, Kathleen and Jane, and two sons, John and Timothy.

Through the years, Chuck worked hard in order to support his family. He owned and operated L&C Machine Company and later worked for his father-in-law, Knud Poulsen, at Poulsen Machine Company. He took over operations of the company when Knud died in 1969. Although he was skilled in the tool and die trade, Chuck enjoyed the challenge of something new as well. During the late fifties he co-owned and operated, with his brother in law Bill, “The Pie Shop”. They baked pies using Bill’s mother’s pie recipes. After retiring from the tool and die business, Chuck was thrilled to combine his love for golf with the opportunity to work when he secured employment with Ives Grove Golf Course. Since Chuck was one who liked to feel productive, he continued to work, at Reliance Controls, up until just a few weeks before his death.

Work certainly kept Chuck busy, but he always found time to pursue his many interests. It was not surprising to anyone who knew Chuck that many of the things he enjoyed involved time spent with others. He was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church where he enjoyed singing with the choir. In fact, Chuck was deeply passionate about music and played the piano daily. Chuck was also a member of a large men’s barbershop chior, The Dairy Statesmen, for many years. There was nothing better than sharing his love of music with his son, Tim, and the times he played piano while Tim played the trumpet were among those he enjoyed most. Chuck was a skilled craftsman who was able to make anything out of wood or metal. He was also an avid golfer who was great at competitive golf, too. Chuck won numerous tournaments through the years including the Wisconsin Public Course State Championship and the Racine County Senior Masters. Some of his favorite times on the golf course, however, were spent in casual rounds with his friends and family.

Nothing was more important to Chuck than spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, though he might be categorized as an avid but reluctant traveler who was more than willing to explore the world as long as there was a golf course wherever they were headed. Chuck loved sailing with his son, John, and spending quality time with his daughters, Kathy and Jane, at Mike & Angelo’s. Chuck and his kids could often be heard singing around the piano after dinner each night, and during holidays. He often quipped “Home is where I belong”, and was very content relaxing in the house that son, and architect, John designed. He also enjoyed long hours playing with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that Kathy and Jane gave him.

When reflecting on the life of Charles “Chuck” Fox it is amazing to see just how far the touch of one amazing man can reach. He was kind and thoughtful of others and always appreciative of the family and friends he viewed as his greatest gift. A lifelong resident of Racine, Chuck never met a stranger and was accepting of all those placed in his path. Life will never be the same now that Chuck is gone, but all who knew him will be forever grateful for having known and loved such an extraordinary man.

Charles “Chuck” Fox died on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. Chuck’s family includes his wife, Ella; daughters, Kathleen (Todd) Pettit, Jane (Mark) Anderson; sons, John C. (Christine) Fox, Timothy D. (June) Fox; grandsons, David (Carrie) Pettit, Daniel (Renee) Pettit, Jason (Kelli) Pettit, Matt Anderson (Amy Furman); granddaughter, Jess Fox Anderson; 7 great-grandchildren, Frankie, Jack, Emmy, Elaina, Alexa, Charlie, and Lucy Pettit; step great-grandchildren, Evance, Sedric, and Autumn Grandberry; brothers and sisters-in-law, J. Bernard (Mary) Fox, Richard (Lois) Fox; sister Margaret Vrana, sister-in-law Carol Fox, many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Peter W. “Bill” Fox; sister-in-law Lois Fox; brothers-in-law Anker Poulsen, William Wood and Albert Vrana; step-granddaughter Stacy West and, regretfully just days ago, by beloved sister-in-law, Helen Wood. A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, December 20, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Avenue with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice Alliance or to Evans Scholarship Fund. Services provided by MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME, 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403, (262) 634-7888.