Obituary for Charles Francis Wiser Jr.
Charles Francis Wiser (“Chuck”), beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, age 88, of St. Paul, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 20, 2023, after a short illness. Prior to that he had successfully battled several bouts of cancer and heart disease, while also continuing to keep himself in physical shape with running and other regular exercise.
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago and the oldest of six, Chuck was the big brother who could be counted on to safeguard his siblings. That natural urge to protect and defend played out in his adult life as he served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Walke, followed by 20 years in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Commander in 1977. He also used his leadership skills as founder and president of Vanguard Travel, retiring in 2000.
A lifelong Cubs fan and a natural storyteller, Chuck enjoyed regaling his children and grandchildren to the last, even from his hospital bed.
Chuck also was a generous spirit who supported important charities in the Twin Cities and beyond, including Father Jim Goode’s Solid Ground Ministry located in Hell’s Kitchen, NY; the University of Minnesota Foundation; and an endowed research fund the Wiser family established in the name of his beloved wife, Mary Patricia Wiser (nee McGreevy) who preceded him in death February 18, 2002, after a long and remarkable battle with ovarian cancer. The research fund supports broad initiatives around women’s health.
Chuck is survived by his son Chuck and his partner Dana Ferry of St. Cloud, MN; daughter Nancy of Minneapolis; and son David of Columbia, SC, and his family, which includes Chuck’s daughter-in-law Elizabeth; his granddaughter Sara-Kate Schroeder and her husband, Jack, and their infant son also named Jack, whom Chuck had the pleasure to meet in his final days; granddaughter Emily; and grandson Sam.
Chuck also is survived by his partner of 17 years, Bobbi Lynch, whose six children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren embraced Chuck as family. The Wisers thank them all for their love and support as Chuck passed from this world to the next.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. ~ Lumen Christi Catholic Community, 2055 Bohland Ave, St Paul, MN with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago and the oldest of six, Chuck was the big brother who could be counted on to safeguard his siblings. That natural urge to protect and defend played out in his adult life as he served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Walke, followed by 20 years in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Commander in 1977. He also used his leadership skills as founder and president of Vanguard Travel, retiring in 2000.
A lifelong Cubs fan and a natural storyteller, Chuck enjoyed regaling his children and grandchildren to the last, even from his hospital bed.
Chuck also was a generous spirit who supported important charities in the Twin Cities and beyond, including Father Jim Goode’s Solid Ground Ministry located in Hell’s Kitchen, NY; the University of Minnesota Foundation; and an endowed research fund the Wiser family established in the name of his beloved wife, Mary Patricia Wiser (nee McGreevy) who preceded him in death February 18, 2002, after a long and remarkable battle with ovarian cancer. The research fund supports broad initiatives around women’s health.
Chuck is survived by his son Chuck and his partner Dana Ferry of St. Cloud, MN; daughter Nancy of Minneapolis; and son David of Columbia, SC, and his family, which includes Chuck’s daughter-in-law Elizabeth; his granddaughter Sara-Kate Schroeder and her husband, Jack, and their infant son also named Jack, whom Chuck had the pleasure to meet in his final days; granddaughter Emily; and grandson Sam.
Chuck also is survived by his partner of 17 years, Bobbi Lynch, whose six children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren embraced Chuck as family. The Wisers thank them all for their love and support as Chuck passed from this world to the next.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. ~ Lumen Christi Catholic Community, 2055 Bohland Ave, St Paul, MN with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.