Charlie Andrews Jr.

Charlie Andrews Jr, 73, of Campbellsport, passed away Wednesday, June 30 suddenly and peacefully at his home. Charlie was believed to be born on June 27th, 1948, in Milwaukee, WI, however, some sources have reported his birth on June 28th. Once it was discovered Charlie had two possible birthdays, his family eagerly celebrated both days!

Although born in Milwaukee, Charlie moved to Fond du Lac at a young age. Charlie graduated from LP Goodrich High School in 1966. He graduated from The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1971 with a major in Geography and later returned to obtain a second degree in Elementary Education. Charlie married Marlene Merrill on October 18,1969. They had three daughters (Charlie’s Angels): Bridget, Kelly and Katie.

Charlie’s leadership, dynamic personality and strong work ethic started at a young age. Charlie had several paper routes, worked at his parent’s restaurant “The Custard Bowl”, Gilles (probably one of his favorites), a quarry and a radio station. Charlie began his professional career as a 4th grade teacher in Campbellsport. In 1981, Charlie became a Financial Advisor and established his business. Charlie provided over 30 years of sound and trusted financial advice to generations of families in the area. These clients became cherished friends. Charlie’s daughter Bridget joined him as an advisor in 2000 and they worked side by side for the next 13 years. Charlie retired in 2013 but was often seen around the office greeting former clients and telling jokes for many years after.

Charlie had many interests and hobbies in life. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. He was a talented craftsman, skilled fisherman and fantastic chef. His jokes and tricks were the stuff of legends. He was a life-long learner and he was humble in his ability to share knowledge on many subjects. He loved birds, the stars, gardening and was an amateur weatherman.

Although Charlie had an illustrious career and many hobbies, his pride and joy was always his family. He LOVED his girls dearly. He was a constant presence in their lives. In turn, the girls were often heard teasing each other about being Dad’s favorite. Ask any of them and they are certain they are the golden child. Ultimately, his Grandchildren became the recipients of his devotion and adoration. Lovingly known as “Papa,” his grandchildren could not get enough time with him. Having always dreamed of living on a lake, Papa purchased lake property with the hope of giving his grandchildren the ultimate childhood experience. Fishing, Kayaks, frogs, turtles, bird watching, a garden and silly games galore, there was never a shortage of fun being with Papa. Even with all of this excitement, he never failed to be the main attraction. Papa loved with his whole heart – his girls and grandchildren cannot imagine life without him. He impacted each of them tremendously and his legacy of kindness, humor and love will live on through all of them.

To say Charlie was one of a kind, doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of how special he truly was. His goal was to make people smile and he succeeded daily. Charlie will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Charlie is survived by his loving daughters; Bridget (Geoffrey) DeMartino, Grandson Tyler and Granddaughter Gianna, Kelly (Cantrell) Jones Grandson and namesake Charlie and Granddaughter Olivia and Katie (Jerome) Rose Grandsons, Tres, Merrill and Lucas, his former wife Marlene Andrews, his devoted dog and constant companion Butterscotch and many special friends.

Special thank you to Dr. Tom Fabricius for providing exceptional care and guidance to Charlie and his girls over the last ten years. Your human approach to medicine will be forever cherished by our family.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; Bob and Eileen Merrill, Rita Andrews and  Charles and Adeline Andrews, Grandma Alice Beltz and his special nephew Jeff Merrill. 

The family will be holding a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers please consider making someone smile or laugh today. Charlie and his family would be grateful. If you care to share how you made someone’s day, we would love to hear from you. Email us at smilesforcharlieslegacy@gmail.com Let’s keep the smiles and laughter going! For each email we receive we will be making a donation to Operation Smile. Charlie believed in the enormous power of a SMILE, he would want all people to give and receive smiles every single day. We Love you Dad!