Charles Johanning

Charles "Chuck" Johanning, 77, a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, entered into the presence of his Savior on December 15, 2025.

Chuck was born in Racine, Wisconsin, to Wallace and Ruth (Bohnsack) Johanning on March 22, 1948. He was raised with a strong foundation in faith and education, attending Zion Lutheran School through the eighth grade before graduating from Wausau High School. He later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where the Lord profoundly changed his life. It was during his time at UW-Madison, through the Navigators campus ministry, that Chuck first received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior--a decision that shaped the rest of his life.

Chuck's love for Christ was sincere and enduring. He was a faithful member of Wausau Bible Church for many years and then Immanuel Baptist Church, where he continued to worship, serve, and grow in his walk with the Lord. Chuck had a deep love for reading and studying God's Word. He looked forward to his times at the pizza place where he studied the Word with his longtime friends. In his own quiet way, he shared the Word with others.

In 1992 Chuck met Rita Weiske at a bible study in Wausau. They began dating and were married on June 14th, 1997. Together they shared a life rooted in faith, commitment, and steadfast devotion. God blessed them with many opportunities to travel to special events and to spend precious time with family and friends. They also served together on the Board of Child Evangelism Fellowship for a number of years.

Chuck was known for his steady work ethic and dedication. He was employed for 31 years as a payroll administrator at Van Ert Electric of Wausau, where he was respected for his integrity, reliability, and attention to detail. Earlier in life, Chuck worked as a groundskeeper at Pine Grove Cemetery, which will now become his final resting place.

Chuck was an honest, kindhearted man who enjoyed the simple things in life--gardening, classical music, outdoor grilling, the old-time gospel hymns, decorating the Christmas tree, golfing with his friends, and following the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers. He had a passion for bowling and in his younger years he would bowl every night of the week if he could. He was a student of the game and one of the top bowlers in the area back in the day. He continued to bowl in league play until 2024.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Rita; sisters-in-law, Sue (Gerald) Johanning, Carol (Leo) Tietz, Gail (Tony) Torelli, Sandra (John) Resop; brother-in-law, Ronald Weiske; nieces, Laura (Tim) Nye, Linda Johanning, Melinda (Jerry) McNally, Adrienne Tietz, Rachel (Dimitrios) Vatakis, Audra (Jay) Thorsten, Amber Torelli, Gina Torelli; nephews, Jimmy (Michelle) Johanning, Andrew (Brittany) Torelli, Jordan (Chelsea) Resop; along with many grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by parents, Wallace and Ruth (Bohnsack) Johanning, parents-in-law, Irvin and Betty (Nigbor) Weiske; brothers, Donald Johanning, Gerald (Sue) Johanning; sister-in-law, Jo Ellen Weiske; niece LeAnn Johanning; nephews John Johanning and Dan Johanning.

A visitation will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Wausau on January 2nd from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service officiated by Pastor Rob Love. A burial service will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau. Luncheon will follow at the church

Chuck was an active supporter and advocate of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Memorial gifts may be made in Chuck's memory to CEF of Wisconsin, 635 Science Dr. Suite 213, Madison WI 53711.