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Charles James Cihlar Sr., 90, of Sturgeon Bay passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 with his family at his side. He was born January 17, 1919 on the family farm in the town of Clay Banks to Joseph and Mary (Slavik) Cihlar, when farming was still mostly done with the aid of horses. Charles adventurous spirit took him on a trip west where he worked with threshing crews and harvesting. In 1940 at the age of 21, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of Tech. Sgt. He served under General Patton in the 9th Division, 60th Infantry, Company H (Hell on Wheels) as a soldier and cook.
His military career took him through eight major campaigns: Tunisia, Algeria, French Morocco, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Military honors included Combat Infantry Badge, Distinguished Unit Badge, First Oak leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Ribbon, Defense Service Ribbon, Bronze Star and Silver Battle Star and five overseas service bars. The French Government recognized him for his military service in Normandy in 2001.
From about 1953 to 1990, he ran a construction business, Charles J. Cihlar and Sons. His talent as a craftsman and mason survives in a number of Door County buildings and his fireplaces still warm many homes. He constructed and operated a sawmill which kept him busy building cedar products, including Adirondack lawn chairs, birdhouses, shims, stakes and apple boxes up through this year. Charles was a member of Corpus Christi Church and is remembered for the wonderful chili he made for many church functions. He was also a past member of the Knights of Columbus and the V.F.W. Post #3088. On February 6, 1946 he married Dorothy Lucille Luther at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy and their seven children, David (Kathleen), Mary Jacobe, Catherine (James) Carnes, Daniel (Joann), Charles Jr. (Debra), Russell (Stacy) and Cynthia (James) Wolter; sixteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; a sister, Cecelia Melchoiri and a brother, Clarence (Dolores) Cihlar. He was preceded in death by his parents, ten brothers and sisters, and a son-in-law, Dale Jacobe.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Corpus Christi Church, the Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and then after 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the church until time of services. A prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established in his name. |
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