Price, Charles DuWayne "Charlie"

Charles DuWayne "Charlie" Price, age 82, of Whitewater/Dodgeville, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born September 20, 1941, to his loving parents Laddie and Gwendolyn Price. Charlie grew up on his family dairy farm in Clyde, Wisconsin, with his beloved sisters Judith (Goldschmidt) and Joanie (Nelson), as well as his dear brother David. Charlie treasured his daily visits and farm updates with "Brother David" and he was tremendously proud that his nephew Mike and grand-nephew Bucky are carrying on the dairy tradition on the family farm.

Charlie met his wife Louise right out of high school. They were a strong team and shared great love. They had each other's backs, through thick and thin. This November would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. Charlie's health issues for the last few years of his life were extremely challenging, and Louise became his sight, his balance, his lifeline and his strength. He loved to talk to people about Louise and often expressed how grateful he was for her unending love. Charlie and Louise had two daughters, Christine Price Mason and Amber Price. He had a son-in-law, Steve Mason, that Charlie considered a son. Charlie had one granddaughter, Rachel Mason, that brought pure joy into his life. Rachel brought out smiles Charlie saved only for her.

Charlie worked multiple jobs, including building barns, to pay for tuition to attend Platteville University (now UW Platteville). He graduated with a BS in Agriculture in 1964 and utilized his degree to secure a job with the FDA as a milk specialist, where he proudly worked his entire 40-year career. Charlie took his job in the dairy industry very seriously. He supervised all sanitation standards and approved practices in the dairy industry for 17 states and was a proud member and officer of IAMFES (Internation Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians). He served as president of his state's affiliate division. He was loyal to his Platteville education and served on the UW-Platteville Ag Advisory board for many years. He would be thrilled to tell you that both of his daughters and his granddaughter followed his path with degrees from UWP.

Charlie was a man of faith who ended every evening in prayer. He was a man that took passion for community service to a whole new level. He was an avid member and president of the Lombard Jaycees where he led efforts such as sandbox fills for kids in the community as well as helping found the annual 4th of July "Taste of Lombard" celebration. He was awarded a life-time membership, and he was proud to have been presented the honor of JC Ambassador and Senator. Chalie's family was once selected as the Illinois JC Family of the Year. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Lombard where he served as an usher. Many of Charlie's fondest moments and best friends were met at the church's Third Saturday Couples group. He was also an active member of the United Way of Greater Suburban Chicago. Charlie's proudest Lombard moment was being named Man of the Year and being honored and recognized in their annual Liliac Parade where he served as Parade Marshall.

Charles and Louise lived in Minneapolis; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Chicago suburbs, but their ultimate goal was always to move "home" to Dodgeville the first chance they could. Charlie's dream his whole life was to be able to live in Dodgeville and he was lucky enough to move back while he and Louise still had three parents and all of their brothers and sisters to enjoy. Charlie built a house he loved in Dodgeville and could often be found in his garden, his yard, or his man-cave garage. Charlie, Louise and Amber shared 22 very happy years in Dodgeville where Charlie spent some of his time serving on the town board.

As soon as he was able to move home, Charlie continued his commitment to serving the community. He served on the board of the United Fund of Iowa County in various positions. Here, he started the practice of having kick-off fundraiser luncheons with participating Iowa County agencies. These helped ensure that businesses and community members understood where the funds would be distributed so that as many non-profit organizations as possible received financial assistance.

Charlie continued his faith journey as an active member of the Dodgeville United Methodist Church. He served on the board of trustees, he ushered, and he made good use of his sanitation license serving as the kitchen sanitarian, ensuring the church was able to serve public meals. Charlie also made sure to support his home church, Otter Creek Lutheran Church in Highland, Wisconsin.

But Charlie's largest effort and ardent passion was serving as a Dodgeville Kiwanian. Charlie held every single position on the executive board, including President. He served several terms as the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Lieutenant Governor. He served 20 years as the key club liaison and got much joy from teaching high school students about community service. He loved the annual Chicken BBQ, Farmer's Appreciation Day—where he was once honored to serve as Grand Marshall—and Governor Dodge Clean Boats / Clean Waters project. Charlie has received numerous honors and recognitions from the Kiwanis Club for his service, including the prestigious Solberg Distinguished Service Medal. Charlie would encourage everyone reading this to get involved in a service organization.

Charlie loved sports! His favorite team was the Milwaukee Brewers. He was aggravated to watch the Brewers lose to the Angels the night before he died. He also enjoyed the Green Bay Packers and Badger football and basketball. Charlie enjoyed playing in several bowling leagues. He had wonderful friends that he spent many hours sipping coffee and playing cards with. He was a passionate golfer and enjoyed his annual trips to Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed playing on many different golf courses, but loved the Dodge Point Country Club the most where he treasured his friendship with his golf partner Burt.

In the end, Charlie was non-verbal most of the time, but the last words he said were, "Hallowed be thy name. Thy will be done. Hallelujah." He then sang the entire chorus of his favorite hymn "I Come to the Garden Alone," and he looked at his family and said, "I love you." He lived his faith until the very end and got tremendous comfort from his faith in God.

Charlie's family is extremely grateful to Hearthstone in Whitewater, Wisconsin where he spent the last 11 months of his life. They were his caregivers that became a loving part of his family. His dear friend Joe, as well as the entire staff, were above and beyond compassionate and extraordinary. They are also grateful to Rainbow Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, and his father-in-law James Wilson.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife Louise; his daughters: Christine (Steve) Mason and Amber Price; his granddaughter, Rachel Mason; his siblings: Judith (Pat) Goldschmidt, Joan (Lee) Nelson, David (Cathy) Price; his mother-in-law, Ivy Wilson; his siblings-in-law: Bob (Linda) Wilson, Mary Wilson, Tom Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Dodgeville from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. An additional visitation will be held at the Dodgeville United Methodist Church on SUNDAY, June 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Funeral service will begin at 12 Noon. Burial will follow the service at East Side Cemetery with Pastor Lorri McGranahan officiating. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com.

Lulloff-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Dodgeville   •  608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com