1935
Charles
2007
Charles Meuret Jr
March 28, 1935 — December 17, 2007
Charles "Charlie" J. Meuret, Jr., 72 of Wausau, died at his home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. Charlie was born March 28, 1935 in Wausau, WI, the son of the late Charles Sr. and Elizabeth (Pils) Meuret. Following graduation from Wausau High School in 1953, he completed one year at the University of Wisconsin - Marathon Center. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and entered pilot training in 1956 at Lubbock, TX. He was on a combat readiness squadron for 16 years of the 20 years he served in the military. Between 1968-69, in Vietnam, he flew 162 combat missions as a command pilot. During this time, he was involved in rescuing a downed POW while under fire. For his actions, Major Meuret was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also awarded several Air Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal, among many other awards. His combat unit in Vietnam was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon. Charlie was also a small arms expert marksman. He flew the KC-135 Tanker, RF-4C Phantom, and worked at the command post during the final years of his Air Force career.
After retirement in 1975, Charlie returned to Wausau to the homestead farm where he was raised. He completed the machine tool program at NTC and worked briefly in manufacturing. Charlie enjoyed restoring antique tractors, hunting, collecting guns, and repairing antique radios. He liked to tinker and could fix just about anything. He was an avid reader and liked military history, especially the Civil War. He was proud of his family history and loved the land that his great grandparents settled over 150 years ago. Charlie was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Vietnam Veteran's of America.
In 1957, after completing cadet training, he married Mildred Podgorski of Rockford, IL. They later divorced. Charlie is survived by two sons, Charles Meuret III (Jan) Hatley, and Russell Meuret, Gillet; two daughters, Donna (David) Schuh, Wausau, and Audrey (David) Vincent, Red Wing, MN, five grandchildren, Denise Schuh, Madison, Nathan (Suzie) Wheeler, Hatley, Jennifer (Ryan) Maerz, Wausau, and Anna Vincent, Red Wing, MN, and three great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Oswyn Wheeler and Claire Marie Maerz.
He is survived by two sisters, Grace King of Weston and Carolyn (Ralph) Payer of Chicago, IL, and former sister-in-law, Kathleen Hauer, Schofield. Charlie was a friend to many people. He especially appreciated the friendship of Al Heller. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth, and brother George E. Meuret.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 21, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Helke Funeral Home in Wausau followed by memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post 10, immediately following the memorial service.
A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gautam, the nurses, and staff at the UW Cancer Center at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the wonderful care they provided during Charlie's treatment.
After retirement in 1975, Charlie returned to Wausau to the homestead farm where he was raised. He completed the machine tool program at NTC and worked briefly in manufacturing. Charlie enjoyed restoring antique tractors, hunting, collecting guns, and repairing antique radios. He liked to tinker and could fix just about anything. He was an avid reader and liked military history, especially the Civil War. He was proud of his family history and loved the land that his great grandparents settled over 150 years ago. Charlie was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Vietnam Veteran's of America.
In 1957, after completing cadet training, he married Mildred Podgorski of Rockford, IL. They later divorced. Charlie is survived by two sons, Charles Meuret III (Jan) Hatley, and Russell Meuret, Gillet; two daughters, Donna (David) Schuh, Wausau, and Audrey (David) Vincent, Red Wing, MN, five grandchildren, Denise Schuh, Madison, Nathan (Suzie) Wheeler, Hatley, Jennifer (Ryan) Maerz, Wausau, and Anna Vincent, Red Wing, MN, and three great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Oswyn Wheeler and Claire Marie Maerz.
He is survived by two sisters, Grace King of Weston and Carolyn (Ralph) Payer of Chicago, IL, and former sister-in-law, Kathleen Hauer, Schofield. Charlie was a friend to many people. He especially appreciated the friendship of Al Heller. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth, and brother George E. Meuret.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 21, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Helke Funeral Home in Wausau followed by memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post 10, immediately following the memorial service.
A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gautam, the nurses, and staff at the UW Cancer Center at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the wonderful care they provided during Charlie's treatment.
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