Charles Edward Reichel was born from faith, defined himself through faith in life, and died secure in his faith of life everlasting. For 66 years he grew in faithfulness daily, conducting a deeply personal ministry of service to and sacrament with those in need. He practiced social justice and believed passionately in each individual’s ability to achieve his or her unique, as he often called it, “soul-purpose.”

Born on October 16, 1943 in Shawano, WI, Charles was called to a life in the Lutheran Church, in which he was baptized, confirmed and ordained. He pastored various churches throughout his 40+ year career, but always worked actively as a mentor, counselor and consultant for a range of community organizations outside the Church as well. At last count, his resume of a life diversely and diffusely lived filled 13 pages. He was proud of all his work, and saw each commitment as a complementary piece in his holistic worldview.

Charles was a strong believer in life-long education, holding a B.A., M.A., M.Div. and Ph.D. himself, but also teaching others. He helped over 2,000 area teens prepare themselves for life beyond the classroom with his S.A.T. classes. He was also a proponent of the arts and a dynamic teller of tales. There was no mistaking or ignoring when Charles joined a conversation.

He married his wife Sharon in 1970. Together they raised three children, Cara, Carsten and Carlyn, enriched their community in numerous ways, and shared adventures around the world – from dancing in St. Petersburg, Russia, to watching the sun set in the Sonora Desert. 

Charles took up room in the hearts and lives of each person he touched, and he touched a lot of lives. He leaves a large void. But it is with a faith we learned from Charles that we send him from this world, confident that we will meet again.