Charles O. Tolle

Charles Otto Tolle, loving and devoted, husband, father, grandfather, and brother was called home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2012, at the age of 81. Charles is survived by his wife Dorothy Mae Tolle, children Mary Elizabeth Tolle, Joel Patrick Tolle (Wendy), brother John Robert Tolle (Paulette), granddaughters Averie tolle, Ashton Tolle and their mother Christine Tolle.

Visitation will begin sunday, December 16, 2012, 5:00 p.m. at Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Rd. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. Everyone is to meet at the church, Monday, December 17, 2012 for a 10:00 a.m. mass of christin burial at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. interment to follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would like a donation to be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

I consulted with my family and friends to come up with a few memories of my dad which I would like to share with everyone:

• Loving Husband – I have many memories of seeing my dad holding hands with my mom. I always thought that was so sweet. The last time I saw them hold hands was at her 79th birthday party in September. They were married for 50 years in 2010. We had an anniversary celebration in February 2011. I have always said if I could find a man like my dad I would marry him. I haven’t found one yet.

• Supportive – He went to my band concerts and football games to watch me march with the band during half-time. He worked in my high school Band Boosters to raise money and received a Band Boosters’ Award for Support. He also went to Joel’s baseball and football games.

• Good Provider – My dad worked hard all of his life, including working 30 years for Bexar County Public Works. He always provided for his family.

• “Just wait until your Dad gets home” – My mother said that a lot when me and Joel were in trouble. Unfortunately, my dad got hit with all of the problems as soon as he walked through the door from work.

• “I’ll kiss your ass in Joske’s window” - My dad used to say, “I’ll kiss your ass in Joske’s window and give you 10 minutes to draw a crowd. That was one of his favorite sayings. Too bad Joske’s isn’t there anymore.

• Working on the Car – I have fond memories of watching my dad work on the car when I was young. Many times, a few choice words would come out of his mouth.

• “Star Boarders” – When the grandchildren would spend the night with us, my dad would ask how our “Star Boarders” were doing. That was a perfect example of his colorful language.

• Color Guard – I took my dad to Averie’s Band Contest and a few of the football games where she marched in the color guard. He loved going to the games and watching the band.

• Grandparents’ Day – I took my dad to Ashton’s Grandparents’ Day at her elementary school when she was in kindergarten. It was a great memory for him, her, and also for me. My dad and I tried very hard to sit in those tiny desks. We have a picture of Ashton from that day, proudly displayed on our refrigerator.

• Music Lover – He loved all type of music. I have fond memories of watching musical specials on PBS with him, especially during his later years. We used to watch the Boston Pops Independence Day Special where they shot off the cannons during the 1812 Overture and had the fireworks go off to the music.

• Bowler – My dad was a semiprofessional bowler when he was young. He used to go to tournaments out of town with his best friend, Bob. I remember going to at least one bowling tournament in Oklahoma City. He also met my Mom at Turner Club, which is a bowling alley. He was in a weekly league. He taught me and Joel how to bowl when we were young. Joel and I were in bowling leagues until we were in high school. And, I have been in several bowling leagues as an adult.

• Deer Hunter – He loved deer hunting and had a deer lease. It was his sanctuary where he and his hunting buddies could get away from it all. He took me hunting once on Grandpa’s farm. I remember it was very cold that day. We had to be very quiet. During the several hours we were there, there was only one buck and he was too far away. I froze my butt off and never took a shot. I never went again. But, I will always remember that day where I spent some quality time with my dad and he shared his love of hunting with me.

• Deer Lease Recipes – I don’t think my dad roughed it at the deer lease. His hunting buddies would all bring some great food to eat. We have many good recipes for the food his friends would bring. I have some favorites, especially Jim’s Meatloaf.

• Fisherman – We went fishing in Wisconsin every year with my Dad’s parents. I have many fond memories of the town and resort we went to in Wisconsin.

• Bird Hunter – My dad loved bird hunting. I went with him one time. Instead of a dove, I shot a field lark and hit it in the foot. My allergies were bad and I kept sneezing. It was not what I would consider a good time. However, it was time spent with my Dad and my family, so I cherish this memory.

• Newspaper – Every morning, he would relax and sit and read the newspaper while drinking his coffee. We had many good conversations during breakfast. When I worked the night shift, I would come home and have breakfast with my parents. I remember talking with my dad for a while before I would go to sleep.

• Casinos – My dad and mom used to like to go gambling at the casinos. They went to Las Vegas several times and also to Coshatta in Louisiana. I went with them one time. I took $50 with me and came back with $80. It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be.

• Cars, cars, cars – My dad loved cars. After he retired, I think he got his dream job: getting paid to shuttle brand new cars. He loved driving all of the different kinds of cars, with his best friend, Bob.

• Breakfast with Bob – After he retired, my dad used to go out to breakfast every morning with his best friend, Bob. Sometimes, my Mom, Joel, or I went with him. Also, sometimes, Bob’s daughter, Peggy, and her friend, Emily, would join us.

• Pets – My dad loved pets. We always had dogs and cats and for a long time, an aquarium. I got my love of pets from my dad. Now, I have too many pets. I got him a dog, named Vickie, to keep him company in his golden years. She would sit right beside him and he would just keep petting her. It was good for both of them.

• Skunky Beer – My dad always loved cheap beer. We called it his “Skunky Beer”. He stopped drinking when the Alzheimer’s Disease got worse. But I still have 3 cans of beer, if anyone wants them!