"Have been up north. just getting to my e-mail. So sorry to hear about Larry's dad. However, such a long life and so much accomplished. It would have been an experience to have known him."
In loving memory of
Judge Charles Larson
September 11, 1907 - August 14, 2009
Larson, Judge Charles L.
Port Washington – Charles L. Larson, age 101, died on Friday August 14, 2009, at Harbor Club In Port Washington, WI. He was born in Port Washington, Wisconsin, on September 11, 1907, the son of Carl A. and Margaret (Fellenz) Larson. He graduated from Port Washington High School in 1925 and enrolled at Marquette University that fall. After graduating from Marquette Law School in June, 1930, he was admitted to practice law on August 4, 1930. He returned to Port Washington and opened a law office, and was elected district attorney of Ozaukee Country in 1934. He served two terms. He married Patricia Wilke of Batavia, Ohio on June 27, 1936 and had a loving marriage for 63 years.
In 1942 he accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy, and served as gunnery officer aboard the USS Charles M. Hall. After his sea duty, he was stationed in San Francisco and New York City in the Judge Advocate office. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Port Washington to resume his law practice. He was elected Mayor of his hometown in 1947. He served the two year term and declined to seek re-election. In 1949 he became State Commander of the American Legion as an active member of Van Ells Schanen Post in Port Washington. During 1950 and 1951 he served as Wisconsin chairman of Crusade for Freedom. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, #5373. After serving as judge of the newly created Municipal Court of Ozaukee County for four years, he was elected County Judge in 1961, later becoming a Circuit Judge and served in that capacity until his retirement on August 1, 1978. He continued as an active member of the judiciary serving as a Reserve Circuit Court Judge in counties throughout southeastern Wisconsin for a number of years. During his years as County Judge, and later Circuit Judge, he served as chairman of the Wisconsin Board of Criminal Court Judges and as chairman of the Wisconsin Board of Juvenile Court Judges. In 1969 he was selected to preside in the celebrated Milwaukee 14 trial. This case arose out of a protest against the Vietnam War by 14 men who invaded the downtown Milwaukee draft board office and destroyed draft records by fire in a public demonstration. His ability to preside through three stormy weeks of trial brought him commendations from many sources and the trial international publicity. In 1977 he was elected as Chief Judge of the sixth Wisconsin Judicial Administrative District. He was an active member of the Port Washington Rotary Club and served as District Governor in 1977. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was selected as a member of the Wollsack Society by Marquette University Law School, an honor society of that Law School. He was also an active member of St. Mary’s church in Port Washington. When Notre Dame on the Lake was constructed, he was asked to head a fund raising committee at St. Mary’s Church. St. Mary’s went over the top in its campaign for funds, exceeding the goal set by a wide margin. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife Pat spent part of their retirement years in Sun City, Arizona. He was chairman of Wisconsin Day for many years. When in Sun City he enjoyed lawn bowling, ten pin bowling and golf with family and friends. He is survived by his 3 children: Larry (Jean) of Wauwatosa, Sue (Earl) Buehler of Madison, and Chuck (Karen) of Ripon, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. His wife Patricia preceded him in death in 1999, as well as parents Carl A. and Margaret Larson, brothers Martin and Stanley and sister Dorothy. Funeral services will be held in Port Washington: visitation at Eernisse Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., funeral service at St. Peter’s Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St. Port Washington on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at 11:oo a.m. with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, W.J. Niederkorn Library or Port Washington Rotary Foundation. The last few years of his life were spent at the Harbor Club Assisted Living facility in Port Washington. His family thanks them for the excellent and compassionate care he received. They also thank Vitas Hospice for their comforting care during the last week of his life.
Service:
11:00 AM at St. Peter of Alcantara 1800 N. Wisconsin St. Port Washington, WI 53074 on August 19, 2009 (map/driving directions)
Cemetery:
Judge Larson will be laid to rest beside his wife in the parish cemetery.
Tributes
"Larry, Sue, Chuck and Family, My heartfelt sympathies to you at the passing of your father. He was quite an interesting person with all sorts of life experiences. I especially enjoyed talking with him at our Rotary meetings during recent years. I also have lots memories and stories growing up in the neighborhood with Chuck, Mark Hoeft and others, but one particular memory involves us goofing off playing baseball in the driveway behind the Larsen home. I fouled off a ball and it went through the first floor bathroom window. I think Judge Larson set the land speed record for coming outside to find out what happened, and of course, I was scared at what might happen. As I recall, Chuck got a good scolding about where we were playing, and I got off without having to make restitution. Anyway, I think your Dad was one of kind, and I have lots of great memories of his life and influence. My best to the entire family. Barrett"
" Sue-Larry-Chuck I know how proud Charles was of all of you and I know how proud you were of your father. He lived a great long life and many great memories to comfort you. It is comforting to know that your Mother and Father are together again. Your in our thoughts---Ollie & Diane"
"Larry and family. Keith and I extend our deepest sympathies on the passing of your dad. What a long and wonderful life he led; touching so many people during its course. His leadership made such a difference in the lives of the citizens of Port Washington and of Wisconsin. What an amazing legacy."
"Larry- We are thinking of you and your family today and called St. Mary's in Palmyra and reserved a mass in your father's name on July 11, 2010 - so next summer we can all go to church in remembrance of your dad--even Judy said she'd go. Bill and Judy"
"Judge Larsen lived a long and honorable life. I knew Judge Larson from visits he made to our family cottage at Sand Bay with my Uncle Dr. Earl and Aunt Hope Huwatschek. Bob"