Charles L. Gilmore

Chuck was born January 24, 1933 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. As a young radio operator, the Air Force took him around the world several times on search and rescue missions. He developed a career in construction management before it was a profession. His many and varied projects in mechanical and electrical contracting led him all around the United States. One of his talents was finding solutions to seemingly impossible mechanical issues.

On his retirement at age 70 he started his own home renovation and renewal business, which he operated full time until age 82. With his pleasant outgoing manner, he enjoyed sharing his fond memories and interesting experiences and connecting with others, as well as helping them personally and through his business.

Chuck loved classic cars and airplanes and knew them well. His own kit car was a testament to many years of tender loving care. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed elk hunting, golf and camping rough. With his sonorous voice he was part of the church choir for many years. Poetry came naturally to him. Throughout his life he composed short witty poems on the fly for family and friends on special occasions. Chuck always looked forward to his next adventure in Central America or Mexico, where he liked to vacation. Gardening, as well, came naturally to a man who grew up helping on the farm. He loved being outside tending the garden, almost as much as spending time in the garage.

His life modeled grace, forgiveness, unconditional love. He embraced a life of gratitude and was able to find the thankfulness in the darkest places. He lived persistence, dedication, patience, responsibility, compassion, selflessness.

He is survived by his wife Janice; children: Charles L. Gilmore IV, Jeremy W. Gilmore, Laci J. Olsen and Andrew A. Davis; grandchildren: Charles L. Gilmore V, Cassandra L. Mompher, Cayla J. Kaltenbach, Courtney E. Gilmore, Curtis A. Gilmore, Celeste J. Gilmore, Callista E. Gilmore and Felicia M. Gilmore; great grandchildren: Lorelai Olsen and Jace McNeer; siblings: Charline Burgess and Brian Gilmore; his wife’s children: Sarah C. Adkins and Philip S. Adkins and Philip Adkins' children: Anya Adkins-Trotta and Frankie Adkins. He was preceded in death by his first wife Betty J. Gilmore and sons Joel Davis and Linley F. Gilmore.

Visitation Friday, July 31, 2015 from 5-7pm, funeral service will be Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 3:00 PM both at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary.