Charles Bornemann
Charles “Charlie” Lawrence Bornemann, 82, died Thursday, November 11, 2021. Charlie was born on November 8, 1939 in Green Bay, WI to the late Lawrence and Marcella (Ebenhoe) Bornemann. He graduated from Washington High School in Two Rivers, WI in 1957. Charlie enlisted in the Army at age 18 and served his country proudly. Later in life, he went back to school and in 1982 earned a technical degree in Machine Tool Operation from NWTI.
On November 21, 1959, Charlie married the love of his life, Kathleen Kuenzel, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Two Rivers. They soon moved to Green Bay, WI where they made their home. Charlie supported his growing family throughout the years as an over-the-road truck driver, owner/operator of gas and service stations, including his own Bornemann’s Road Service, and was a dispatcher and Vice President of Safety for national trucking companies. He ultimately retired as a bus driver from Green Bay Transit. Driving large and complex vehicles was always a passion of his.
Charlie was a great husband, father, and grandfather who would do anything for his family, even without being asked. His humor and facial expressions were infectious. All his grandchildren will miss his “Grandpa Wave” as he stood in the driveway waving goodbye with both hands every time family left from a visit, no matter the weather or time of night. He wore his pride on his face as he attended his grandchildren’s school and sporting events, graduations, and weddings.
He was a strong Catholic gentleman. He supported the church as a lector, an extraordinary distributor of Holy Communion, a volunteer for hosting coffee and donuts, and a Perpetual Adorer for many years. He was a charitable person who volunteered often as a member of the Knights of Columbus and he was very proud of his leadership in the organization, holding various positions in his local assembly and council including 4th Degree Faithful Navigator, Honor Guard, Grand Knight, and State District Deputy. In addition, Charlie was a member of the local Serra Club of Green Bay.
Charlie participated in many clubs and organizations throughout his life, including membership in the Eagles Club, 15 years as a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist, and member of the Green Bay Yacht Club. He loved racing stock cars and being track announcer in his younger years, power boating in his middle years, and participating in clubs and associations to help the less fortunate as well as to socialize with others to the end.
Charlie leaves behind his wife of almost 62 years, Kathleen; sons David (Cindy), Daniel (Amy), Dale; son-in-law, Phillip Amrozowicz; 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers & sisters: Elizabeth DeKeyser, William Bornemann, Elaine (Gregory) Amato, Kenneth (Rebecca) Bornemann, Barbara (James) Gauthier, Patricia Scheer; aunt: Delores McHugh; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ruthann Koss, Anita Bornemann, Barbara Davis, Alice Haen; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Elphege “Al” and Theresa (Karbowski) Kuenzel; daughter, Debra Lee Amrozowicz, daughter-in-law, Cyndi Bornemann, brothers Edward and Robert Bornemann; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Robert Dekeyser, Layton Ray Davis, Ronald and Patricia (Kuenzel) Babler, August Haen Jr, and Betty Bornemann.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Parish wake service 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 720 N. Baird St., from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. on Friday with Rev. Jose Lopez officiating. Entombment will take place in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com. To view the livestream of the Mass, please visit the Proko-Wall Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 11:00 a.m.
The Bornemann family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the family and friends who sent prayers and well wishes for Charlie. A special thank you to all the wonderful caregivers who helped Charlie and the family during the past few years during his battle with dementia.