Charles D. Liebl, of Franklin, WI, passed away on September 14, 2026, at the age of 86. He is survived by his children Michael Liebl, John (Andrea) Liebl, Marie (Jeff) Wendt, Christine (Chuck) Struebing; his grandchildren Michael II (Brittany), Kendall (Tayla), and Ian (Lydia); Marissa, Malachi, and Makayla; Abigail (Nathan), Joseph (Bethany), and Adam; Kailey, Calvin, Carter (Kenzy), and Autumn; and great-grandchildren Myles, Holden, and Haisley; and Marlowe and Travis. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Preceding him in death are Alfred and Maybelle Liebl, his sister Shirley Cole, and his first wife and mother of his four children, Margaret Grimm (nee Schmidt).

Charles was born in Milwaukee, WI, on August 17, 1940. In his early years, he was an altar boy while attending St. Stevens Catholic Church. First attending Don Bosco High School, he went on to graduate from Racine Horlick High School in 1958.

In 1958, Charles joined the US Army, serving for 3 years in Germany as a mechanized mechanic- “if it moved, he fixed it”. Charley developed a passion for cars, later acquiring a 50th anniversary Corvette and taking it to car shows and won several awards. He loved watching his son and grandson drag race. Following his military service, Charles worked at Wisconsin Motors in Racine, AC Delco in Oak Creek, and maintained a side hustle driving part-time for Mickey Joerres Trucking. Later in his life he was a member of the 128th Air Refueling Wing Community Council. In September of 2025, he had the joy of participating in an Honor Flight.

In 1970, Charley started at the Oak Creek Fire Department, beginning a career that would last 32 years and this became a huge part of who he was. He retired in December of 2001 as a Lt. Commander, and held a dedicated seat at the monthly retiree breakfasts. He enjoyed the companionship and friendship he found at the Fire Department, both while active and retired, with too many special connections even to list. In 2024, Charley had the honor of pinning on his grandson Carter with the Oak Creek Fire Department.

In 1963, he married Margaret Schmidt, and the two had four children together. Margaret later passed away in 2018. He was married again in 1989, and they shared 36 years together.

Depending on who he was with, you may have heard him referred to as “Chuck”, “Charley”, or “Charles”. Whatever the name, many would call him a cherished friend. He was very active in his community, and loved spending time with his family at holidays and special events. He had a special bond with each of his grandchildren, and loved getting to know them all and what their interests are.

Chuck loved the heat of the summer months, reading, riding his bike, listening to country music (George Jones), beer gardens and festivals, car shows, cookouts, sailing, and playing the accordion. If you were very lucky, you might have been in the privileged few he would play for.

Charles was an avid Christian. In March of 2025 he was baptized at Southbrook Church, and was an active member of the Men’s Bible Study. He had a strong relationship with the Lord, and told his family that he was excited to meet Jesus to personally thank Him for what He has done.

Charles’ family would like to thank the care teams at Froedtert, Ascension, and Aurora Hospitals; and the Home Helpers that came to care for him in his home. Thanks to New Perspectives Senior Living, and extra special thanks to Dr. Treisman and the Reiman Cancer Center and Accentcare Hospice. Charles held a special place in his heart for the community at Southbrook Church, and his lifelong friend Virgil White, and many other dear friends.

A funeral service for Charles will be held at Southbrook Church (11010 W St. Martins Rd, Franklin WI, 53132) on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 11 AM. Visitation will be from 10 AM to 11 AM. A burial will follow at Emanuel Cemetery (10627 W Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners WI, 53130).

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations in Charles’ name to the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation- www.pffwcf.org.