Charles "Chuck" Leslie Ehresman

Charles "Chuck" Leslie Ehresman, age 92 of Wichita, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a visit from his pastor on Friday, September 12, 2025. It was important for him to ensure that everyone understood that he was ready to see Jesus. He was born July 3, 1933 in Paxton, Illinois to Charles Leslie "Les" Ehresman and Hazel Louise (Carlson) Ehresman.

He learned the importance of hard work at an early age, working on the family farm and hatchery. Chuck was very fond of discussing his high school years in Buckley, Illinois and often extolled the benefits of growing up in a "small town". The basketball team was a favorite story line. He stayed in touch with "Coach" and several of his teammates. He had newspaper clips from many of the games and created a scrapbook that he presented to "Coach" and sent to his surviving teammates. He worked summers on a silo-building crew and credits that for keeping him in shape. He graduated from Buckley High School then furthered his education at Western Illinois University obtaining a degree in Accounting. He served in the Army in what he referred to as the "fighting accounting corp." After his service, he secured an accounting position in Wichita, Kansas.

On November 15, 1958 Chuck married Jacqueline "Jackie" Conrie. They met on the base in Bordeaux, France where he was stationed and Jackie worked in the commissary. They lived in Wichita all their married life and Chuck stayed here after her passing. Together they had two children, Terry Charles Ehresman born June 2, 1960 and Richard "Rick" Roger Ehresman born August 25, 1963. Jackie learned English by watching TV and with the help of his boss' wife. On April 15, 2017 Chuck married Josephine "Jo" (Faul) Griswold and all the blended family was in attendance.

Chuck worked for "Contract Surety Consultants" which had a construction division and provided nationwide consulting services to Surety companies involved in large construction projects until 1992. He founded 'Spectrum, Inc" in February 1992 as a family-based professional services consulting company. He was the principal; Jackie served as Executive Assistant and Terry offered TQM consulting services. Rick joined in 1995 offering Custom Software Solutions. He retired and sold the company on December 31, 1999 so he "wouldn't ruin the next century by working." He was very well respected in his industry. He attended Memory Lane Baptist Church for many years. He also attended Goddard United Methodist Church and Ridgepoint Church (formerly First Mennonite Brethren Church and Jo's church) for the last many years. Being connected to a church was very important in his life.

He was a devout Christian man. It was very important to Chuck that he live his life as a good example for Jesus. Anyone who crossed his path and paid attention would agree that he succeeded at that. He was a man of integrity, always honest, kind, courteous and engaging. Studying and evangelizing were important parts of his life. He especially had a heart for "today's youth" and regularly texted an inspirational message to many youths that he met and agreed to receive his thoughts. Even in his final days in the hospital, he sought input from the students working with the attending doctors.

Chuck loved to tell stories. He'd usually start by saying "I'm going to tell you more than I know about ...". He was a master of other "catch phrases" too. He loved to say "that tickles my gizzard" to something he found funny. A comfy chair was "curved to fit my wrist". He liked to suggest that challenges were not ways to step out of your comfort zone, but ways to expand it. When asked how he was, he'd say "gooder". He'd end a conversation or call with "bye for now”.

He greatly valued any and all family time. He loved being a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and he freely expressed his pride in his family. Chuck loved watching sports and supported local college and professional teams and enjoyed playing golf.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles "Les" Ehresman and Hazel Ehresman and his first wife, Jacqueline "Jackie."

Chuck is survived by his second wife, Josephine "Jo"; his sister, Carol "Joan" Bauer (Roy Strain); his sons, Terry (Joan) Ehresman and Richard "Rick" (Margi) Ehresman; his grandchildren: Matthew "Matt" (Tillie) Ehresman, Ryan (Chelsey) Ehresman, Nathan (Addie) Ehresman, Brent (Natali) Ehresman; his great-grandchildren: Heidi, Sadie, Caleb, Claire, Cora, Theodore "Theo" and Elaina.

A celebration of life service will be held at Ridgepoint Church, 8000 W 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205 on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM.

A private committal service has already taken place at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Hwy 54 Wichita, KS 67209.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, Victory Village Christian Academy, 201 S. Victory Rd, Burton, KS 67020 or Ridgepoint Church, 8000 W 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205.