"To Charles Van Sickle Family: I was so sad when I opened the paper Wednesday to see that Charlie passed away. Charlies was such a gentleman and sweetheart. I loved waiting on him everytime he would come in Alt N' Bach's. He would bring me pictures of him when he was young. Such a dapper young man. I sure will miss him. I always made sure he got a treat and a kiss on the cheek before he left. My sympathy to your family. Sincerely, Kerry Podolske, Charlie's #1 waitress at Alt N' Bach's."
In loving memory of
Charles S. Van Sickle
February 9, 1920 - September 29, 2012
Charles Van Sickle, age 92, passed away Saturday, September 29, 2012. He was born February 9, 1920 in Barron, WI, son of Fred and Lelah Van Sickle. Following graduation from Barron High School he attended the University of Wisconsin Receiving a B.A. Degree in Accounting.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and was sent to Officer Candidate School. Most of his service was at Hampton, VA as an officer with the Medical Administration Corps. Upon discharge as a Captain in 1946, he enrolled in Law School at UW Madison graduating in 1949. He practiced law for 50 years with Wheeler, Van Sickle & Anderson S.C. He specialized in the law of electric cooperatives utilities, HMO cooperatives and other non profit organizations. He did a substantial amount of legal work for Group Health Cooperative and served as their legal counsel for many years. During his practice with the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association he was awarded the "ACE" Award given for distinguished service above and beyond the call of duty. He also received the "Cooperative Builder Award" by the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives given for the most significant contribution to the development and growth of cooperatives. In his lobbying work with the WI Electric Cooperatives he was named one of the ten best lobbyists in WI. For many years he was on a panel of retired judges and practicing attorneys, appointed by the WI Supreme Court, to serve as a referee in cases filed in the Supreme Court.
Chuck met his future wife, Corrine (Cornie) Valentine at the Anderson Hotel in Ephraim, WI. They were married in October 1943 and had a happy marriage of 58 years. Cornie preceded him in death in 2001. He is survived by his two children, Mark of Ephraim and Sandy (James Neely) of Safety Harbor, FL and his two grandchildren Cory of Madison and Lauren of Boynton Beach, FL, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family wishes to express thanks to the staff of Group Health Cooperative, especially Dr. Olinger, for their outstanding care given to Chuck and Cornie over the years. Friends are invited to gather at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705 at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012 with a celebration of Chuck's life at 2:00 pm. Interment will be in the Moravian Cemetery in Ephraim.
Tributes
"Charles was simply the best! I was the long time marketing director at GHC, and as such, had many opportunies to work with Chuck. He was also my personal attorney for a number of years. The world could use a lot more people like him. The peace of the Lord! Tom Mottard Neenah, WI"
"What a great guy, friend to all and a true gentleman. He is the only person I know when times got difficult and upset him he could still smile. May the Lord bless him always. Dick & Colleen Adler Greenwood, WI."