Charles "Chuck" "Bill" W. Schlottach

If anyone ever defined the word pontifical, it would have to be Charles Willard Schlottach. He was a passionate, opinionated, and doctrinaire individual. These powerful traits, along with his deep love of family, led his actions every day. He was a man who put his wife, children, and grandchildren's needs above his own. While not always talkative, Charles was never short on opinion and typically said what he meant.

Charles was born on a kitchen table, of a modest home, on October 27, 1937. He was the son of Erwin and Velma, who raised him, along with two older sisters, Joann and Sue, in Enid, Oklahoma. Back then, he was known as Bill. During his childhood, he learned the value of money, to be reliable, and respectful. As expected, Chuck was not always an obedient child, but used his charm and eager heart to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show kindness and often performed good deeds for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Chuck’s personality throughout his life.

Though Chuck was frequently the one to initiate practical jokes, games, and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Being raised with two older sisters, he was often eager to “helpfully” point out which sister was to blame for the day’s indiscretions to their parents. Although he and his sisters had these typical rivalries while growing up, it was evident that they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Chuck was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an assured nature, Chuck was always thinking and considering new information and ideas. One thing he will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. To say Chuck was a “morning” person would be the understatement of the century. Ironically, as eager as he was to get up and going, he had an equally eager need to promptly return home, from wherever he went.

Throughout his childhood, school routines were never a problem, as he generally preferred the structure and security of such a system. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion; often able to do it quickly and efficiently. Chuck was also adept at numbers and details. He was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. However, as boys of his era often did, Chuck found the confinements and demands of the institution more than he could bear. After dropping out of school during his Senior year, Chuck joined the Army and earned his G.E.D.

There was one thing that all of Chuck’s friends knew and will forever remember. When comfortable with the people and surrounding, Chuck was a talker. He was quick witted and able to talk about any subject. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Chuck was ought to make quick and frequent friendships. Chuck was also dependable, loyal, and trustworthy. He was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. When he made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, one of his best friends was Frank Kelly. Later in life, he became friends with Roger Elias, Bob Ragsdale, and Larry Dunn.

Chuck was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. A favorite childhood story that edifies this is that of his first date. He asked (and escorted) a young lady to the picture show. Upon arriving, he announced that he only had 10 cents, enough money to purchase a single ticket, which he did. He handed the ticket to his date and waited outside, while she enjoyed the movie.

Along with being sentimental, Chuck cared for others’ feelings and well-being. He carried these traits into his marriage of 56 years. On February 25, 1961, Chuck married Martha (Sue) Lovitt. Sue’s sister, Jo, hosted the quite ceremony at her home, in Pueblo, Colorado. Compassionate and devoted, Chuck worked hard to make his new life partner happy. They began their life together, in a tiny apartment above a local bar, known as Hogan’s. For many years, when reminiscing with his children, Chuck used to joke that their apartment had hot and cold running bear on tap.

While opinionated and ardent, harmony was equally important to Chuck, and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Chuck was blessed with three children. He was a proud father of two daughters, Deb and Sandii, and one son, Bill. He was also blessed with four grandchildren: Logan, Kendall, Alyssa, and Hadden; as well as two great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Oaklyn.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Chuck, and he expected the same from those around him. He was a steady and reliable worker; one who was conscionable about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Chuck handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” He worked as a local delivery driver, and as taxi driver. Shortly after his marriage to Sue, he was employed as a heavy equipment mechanic with the C.F.& I. Steel Mill, where he worked for about 25 years. Chuck brought good ethics, with a fair bit of humor to his work environment; doing what was necessary to get the job done, while always maintaining respect and a positive attitude for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Chuck was a person who appreciated the routine that his service to military provided. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. During his three-year enlistment during the Korean Conflict, Chuck was a switch board operator and Army messenger. While he did not earn an award, his job as a messenger was fraught with danger. He often drove through and parked in active engagement zones. He curried secured messages from one out post to the next; waiting long periods of time, in uncertain situations, while these messages were processed.

A methodical man, Chuck enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem (well maybe a little) following all the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were listening to or watching sportscasts, playing video games (in secret for many years), and playing with his grandchildren. When Nintendo first came out, after Chuck’s retirement, he frequently let his children know what he thought of such frivolous things. He’d often say things like: “Those games are a waste of time. They’ll fry your brain.” Later, and not by choice, he was forced to admit that he was a huge fan of Super Mario. He had a habit of rocking in his chair, while dodging obstacles, resulting in a huge hole on the wall behind the chair.

Not only did Chuck enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all the trips and vacations he and Sue took. He was a facilitator who could easily create a budget, accounting for every detail. He’d often make up a near perfect schedule of all the things to do and see. Some of his favorite vacations included an Alaskan cruise, a trip to Niagara Falls, visiting the Football Hall-of-Fame in Copper’s Town, and the Baseball Hall-of-Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Since it was easy for Chuck to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was a planner, Chuck was ready when the day to retire came in 1985. Although earlier than expected, he found new pleasure in reading his Nook, playing video solitaire (a little safer than Super Mario), watching sporting events, and visiting his children and grandchildren. He was also able to return to the workforce for a short time; enjoying a few years working at Ashley Hardware.

Chuck passed away on May 25, 2017 at St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado. He is survived by his wife, Sue; his children Deb (Randy), Sandii (D.J.), and Bill; his grandchildren, Logan (Courtney), Kendall (Maddie), Alyssa (Matt), and Hadden; his great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Oaklyn; his sister’s, Joann and Sue; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Imperial funeral home, and he will be laid to rest in Imperial Cemetery in Pueblo, Colorado.

Chuck was an entertaining conversationalist who, when comfortable, could engage just about anyone in a discussion. He was man who spoke his mind, was down to earth, passionate and opinionated. He was, without question, the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. But what friends and family will remember him for most, is the fact that he was so dedicated and proud. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Charles Willard Schlottach.