“Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back”.- Gladiator

Charles (“Chuck”) Watson, age 64, passed away after living an abundantly rich and blessed life. He courageously lived with prostate cancer for the past 16 years, bravely battling stage-4 cancer for the last eight.

We found our “Once in a Lifetime” love, song lyrics by Keith Urban in which Chuck adored- with open hearts, deeper gratitude, and a clear understanding of how rare real love is.

Although born and raised in Wisconsin, Chuck lived many years in Oregon and Janesville, where after graduating college, he began his careers at Nutrisystem and WCLO Radio. Chuck also spent five years living in Chicago while serving as a U.S. Cellular District Manager, commuting to Beloit on weekends. In 2010, he re-established residency in Janesville and joined Kaiser Transport, Inc., where he served in numerous leadership roles including COO, Sales, Marketing, HR, Recruiting, and Driver Services. His versatility, leadership, and ability to build people and systems made a lasting impact. In 2021, we made a goal-driven decision to take a hiatus and move to Florida. There, Chuck accepted a remote role as Director of Driver Services for a FedEx Linehaul Contractor. Blessed to work directly with incredible and supportive owners, this opportunity became truly game-changing. Even in the midst of a Stage IV incurable diagnosis, the flexibility of remote work allowed him to continue contributing professionally while experiencing the freedom and joy of what felt like retirement and vacation combined. During that season, we were blessed with invaluable time alongside both of our Baumgardner siblings — at their home, on their canal, and especially aboard their sailboat, which became some of Chuck’s most cherished moments. We embraced adventure together, hopping islands, exploring beaches, and seeking anything on or near the water. Cabbage Key quickly became our favorite destination. Looking back, that move may very well have extended his longevity and enriched his quality of life in immeasurable ways. When Hurricane Ian made a direct impact on us in Cape Coral in 2022, the stress proved significant. In 2024, we made another transition — this time to South Carolina, a place already close to our hearts through family ties and where we were married in 2015.

Chuck had many passions, several that we were blessed to share together. Above all, his most desired passion was spending time with family; parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and in-laws. He loved cooking, riding his Harley-Davidson on long road trips, cycling 25 to 100 miles each week, family gatherings at his parent’s home in Northern Wisconsin, and hiking through the Wisconsin Northwoods, Devil’s Lake, and Lake Geneva. He cherished fishing with his dad as a child, and as an adult, deep-sea fishing in Cabo, and made annual salmon fishing trips to Door County, Wisconsin. Football was always close to his heart. He played when he attended Craig High School 1976-1980, later proudly coached his son’s team, and remained a devoted, die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. At home, his favorite place was the patio—his lanai—where many memories were made. His favorite days were “Thirsty Thursdays” and Friday fish fries, never complete without a martini or a good bourbon in hand. Through his camaraderie at local establishments, many came to affectionately call him “Fun Chuck,” and he was truly the life and soul of every family gathering. Above all, Chuck loved his family fiercely. He raised five incredible children into adulthood and was a proud grandfather to three. His joy was always greatest when he was surrounded by those he loved.

Chuck demonstrated strong personal and professional ethics from the very beginning of his career. While working full-time as a Manager at AAA Sports, he attended night classes at the University of Whitewater for six years to earn his BBA. That perseverance and unwavering work ethic became the catapult that carried him throughout his life. He possessed an unparalleled gift for communication, consistently creating win-win solutions and building meaningful relationships. A recipient of several coaching awards, Chuck was deeply committed to developing people. He was never a taker—always a giver—continually asking how he could help others and putting their needs before his own. Chuck placed the highest value on family and on bringing people together. He was often the steady presence who brought peace and resolution in times of dissension. He encouraged others to choose their own paths while confidently standing firm in his own beliefs. He led with love, kindness, grace, compassion, and generosity. Even in his battle with cancer, Chuck embodied extraordinary strength and servant leadership. He endured daily fatigue, nausea, headaches, body aches, and a loss of strength and activity, yet he continued to show up—personally and professionally—every single day. No conflict, challenge, or demand diminished his commitment to others.

Chuck lived the highest form of Servant Leadership. Having faithfully completed his journey here on earth, he has now been called home to God.

Chuck is survived by his wife Laura, children Brock (Autumn) Watson, Eric Engler, Emilee (Steven) Hollerup, Cassar Cook, and Cameron Cook; grandchildren Charlee, Sydney, and Nash; mother

Kathy Watson, father-in-law Bernard Baumgardner, brother Jim (Kim) Watson, sister Kari (Brian) Wyss, brother-in-law Craig (Randi) Baumgardner, and Eric (Nancy) Baumgardner, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father David Watson, mother-in-law Hannah Baumgardner, and beloved extended family.

I would like to give a special thanks to our family and friends that have been along this journey with us, supporting us from near and far, to Charlie and Erika for your friendship, leadership, and belief in us, our treasured friends Al, Kari, Mike, and Stella, Dr. Adediran, the 8th floor medical team, and the team at Hospice House.