extraordinary life brimming with love, joy, achievement, and adventure.
Earl was born in the small historical logging town of Wabeno in northern Wisconsin in June 1926. Earl
worked his way through his undergraduate years at Marquette University where he studied history before
pursuing a law degree and graduating from Marquette Law School in 1950.
Earl was known throughout his life for his endless generosity, his infinite positivity, his passion for law
and business, his commitment to public service, his dedication to family and friends, and his zest for the
outdoors. Earl loved travelling and exploring the world, setting foot on all seven continents during his
lifetime. Earl, fondly nicknamed ‘the Early Bird’ in the family for his penchant for rising at the crack of
dawn, was always on-the-go. He enjoyed riding horses, hiking, and was a lifelong avid cyclist, continuing
to bike regularly well into his 90s.
Earl had a steadfast work ethic and enjoyed a great deal of well-earned professional success. In 1990, he
was a lead attorney in a landmark legal case that secured hunting and fishing rights for Indigenous
Wisconsin tribes. In addition, Earl served on the board of directors of Catholic Family Insurance for many
years, and for a long time, he was proudly the largest employer of women in Oconto County through his
business ventures. Earl was a man of the people, a progressive, and a lifelong altruist. He found great joy
connecting with others and was motivated at every step of his personal and professional life to serve the
community, champion human rights, and promote the welfare of others. He continued his work in public
service throughout his retirement through extensive pro bono work.
While passionate about his professional endeavors, for Earl, family always came first.He is survived by his
dear brother William ‘Bill’ Charlton, his five children, Mark (Barbara) Charlton, Dr. Nicola Charlton, Grant Charlton,
Dr. Guy Charlton, Kristin ( Brian Kellett) Charlton. His beloved grandchildren, Heather (Caleb Alvarado) Charlton,
Sara Charlton, Graham (Melissa) Charlton, Dr. Kristin (Dr. Jacob Tootalian) Prewitt, Caitlin Prewitt, Claire Prewitt,
Keise Prewitt, Averell Charlton Diesch and his great grandchildren Ryley Prewitt and Ansel Tootalian all of
whom he doted upon and who brought him incredible joy in his life. Earl is further fondly remembered by his
many nieces and nephews, his lifelong friend Joanne Lampe Charlton and his many colleagues, clients, and friends.
Earl Charlton was a remarkable man in every sense, with an inexhaustible joie de vivre, who loved and
was loved by so many. He will be greatly missed forever. While the loss of such an extraordinary force of-
life and dearly loved Dad, Grandpa, and friend can never be replaced, his loved ones take comfort in a
life well-lived and in the knowledge that Earl’s contributions to law and public service will continue to
effect positive change for years to come.
A service for family and friends will be held May 26th, 2021, at 11:00 AM on the Marquette University Campus,
at The Church of the Gesu, 1145 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee WI 53233.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to Marquette University Law School: Eckstein Hall,
Attn: Charlton Memorial Gift, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881.
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