Charles "Chuck" John Bongers, 78, of Grand Chute, WI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 26, 2025, at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, WI, after a six-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Born on May 1, 1946, in Appleton, WI, Chuck was the proud son of the late Orville and Barbara (Hammen) Bongers. He was a 1964 graduate of St. John High School in Little Chute, WI, and married the love of his life, Joyce M. Schumacher, on January 8, 1972, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute. For 53 years, they built a life rooted in love and laughter, raising their children, Christopher and Leanne, and delighting in the joy of their grandkids, Stuart and Tess.

Chuck's life of service and sacrifice began in 1965 when he joined the Navy, completing basic training and Hospital Corps School at Great Lakes Naval Station, IL, then serving at the Navy Hospital in Key West, FL. In 1967, he attended Field Medical Service School at Camp LeJeune, NC, before deploying to South Vietnam as a Hospital Corpsman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), I Corps, a unit known for its fierce combat and camaraderie. Chuck was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during active combat, a testament to his bravery and sacrifice — though he rarely spoke of it. He was later stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and honorably discharged in 1969, bringing to a close a courageous chapter that shaped his character, values, and friendships forever.

After earning a degree in Urban Planning with a minor in Geography from UW-Oshkosh in 1974, Chuck and Joyce moved to San Diego, where Chuck worked as an engineering assistant at North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado. They made many lifelong friends in San Diego, but after 10 years of fun and sun, they moved back to Wisconsin to be near family. After returning home, Chuck held a variety of management roles, including positions with the Kaukauna Area School District, Clintonville Memorial Hospital, and Bassett Mechanical. The colleagues-turned-friends that he made over the course of his career were ones he truly valued.

Chuck had a zest for life and a great sense of humor; he loved a good laugh and a well-told story. He enjoyed golfing, grilling, traveling, playing sheepshead and cribbage, watching Wisconsin sports (especially the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers) and — true to form — wearing shorts in all seasons. Chuck had a deep appreciation for music of all genres and eras, with a special fondness for Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and the Pogues. The breadth and volume of his record collection, made up of LPs, tapes, and CDs, was a sight to be seen and heard, a lifelong labor of love that reflected his open mind and eclectic taste.

Chuck was a proud member of Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 and the Vietnam Veterans Post 351. He continued his public service through involvement with the Grand Chute Planning Commission and the Grand Chute Police and Fire Commission for over 20 years.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Joyce (who he so often and lovingly called "his bride"); their children, Christopher Bongers of Madrid, Spain, and Leanne (Dusty) Jacobson of Fort Atkinson, WI; and their cherished grandchildren, Stuart and Tess Jacobson. He is also survived by his siblings, Ellen (Kim) Vanderhyden, Janet (Jack) Kruse, Anne (Jeff) Weiland, and Steve (Deb) Bongers; sister-in-law, Audrey Schedgick; brother-in-law, Carl Schumacher; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Barbara (Hammen) Bongers; parents-in-law, Willis and Anne (Gloudemans) Schumacher; brother-in-law, Jim Schedgick; and niece, Julie Kruse.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute, WI, 54140).  His Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating.  Military Honors, conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow.  Committal will take place in St. John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to CurePSP (www.psp.org), an organization committed to research and support for individuals affected by progressive supranuclear palsy.

The family extends gratitude to the staff of Appletree Court at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna for the two years they cared for Chuck as his PSP progressed and to the St. Paul Hospice staff for their care and compassion in his final days.

*

In the fury of the moment I can see the Master's hand

In every leaf that trembles, in every grain of sand

Then onward in my journey I come to understand

That every hair is numbered, like every grain of sand

- Bob Dylan, "Every Grain of Sand"