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Charles “Charlie” F. Ably

Charles “Charlie” F. Ably Charles “Charlie” F. Ably

Charles “Charlie” F. Ably passed peacefully at home, Monday evening, July 22, 2024, holding hands with his wife, Carrie. The last month of his life, was full of enjoyable visits, making memories and taking pictures, with friends and family.

Charlie was born March 29, 1945, to Clayton and Irene (Strasser) Ably, in Marshfield.

He was drafted into the Army, just after high school and served his country for six years. Charlie was stationed in Vietnam, from 1966-68, discharged honorably, as a sergeant, in 1972.

When he returned home, he became a lineman for GTE/ Verizon. For 35 years, he enjoyed climbing poles and fixing phones. He made lifelong friendships, and snuck an occasional apple or cucumber out of someone’s garden, for an afternoon snack, while on his repair calls.

Charlie married the love of his life, Carrie, in 2000. They found a perfect little house on Lake Holcombe and remodeled it. For the last 20 years, he lived on a little slice of Heaven, despite neighbors throwing sticks or even whole logs on his perfectly manicured lawn.

He loved being outdoors, was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, loved winning at cribbage and dancing to the oldies. He occasionally fudged the truth a little about his secret walleye spots.

Friends and family, in his beloved Stratos boat, often got to see him feed the local eagle. It was nature at its most beautiful, no matter how many times you saw it.

He is survived by his wife – Carrie; his loving sister – Donna Mae Messer (the Cubs fan??); his children – Marc (Janel) Meverden, Michelle (Todd) Geary, Alison Nikolai, Shawn Ably, Ray (Ana) Fischer, Scott (Jackie) Fischer and Steven Fischer; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; great-nieces; greatnephews; and Cowboy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother – Gerald; and his brother-in-law – Ernie Messer.

Charlie, I will love you forever, probably run the lawn mower in the lake without you, but will never stop smiling when I think of you. Some of my most beautiful life memories were not only with you, they were because of you. Until I see you again… ~ Carrie A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 1, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cornell, with Father Eric Linzmaier officiating. Military honors will be held at the church, by the Cornell American Legion, following the funeral Mass.

Inurnment will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, with a 7 p.m. vigil prayer service, at Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, and also one hour prior to the Mass, Thursday morning, at the church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com.

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