Charles attended elementary and middle school with his neighborhood friends and in high school played on the state championship basketball team, graduating from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1950.
Charles began attending Wesleyan University, pausing to serve two years in the US Army before returning to Wesleyan. While in college, he played on the basketball team and graduated with a degree in Education. Charles greatest achievement in college was meeting the love of his life, Shirley Wilkinson, whom he married.
Beginning what would be a 37 year career of teaching and coaching, he accepted a job in Wakefield, Nebraska, teaching at the high school and coaching sports. After a few years he accepted a job at Lincoln Northeast High School, teaching driver’s education, P.E., and coaching several teams including reserve basketball (where his teams compiled a 278 – 120 record), baseball, and serving as the head coach for the girls’ basketball team.
A strong member of his community, Charles was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, refereed both high school football as well as the football games played between local and surrounding smaller liberal arts colleges, and operated the clock at the UNL football games for many years. While raising his two sons, he coached little league in Walton, Nebraska, and legion baseball in Waverly. Charles enjoyed all sports, watching and attending, especially UNL Women’s Basketball, and occasionally throwing his ”big red brick” at the television when watching UNL football.
He spent many summers in Winter Haven, Florida, at the home of his in-laws, water skiing and enjoying one of his favorite past times, fishing. After retirement, Charles continued fishing in local farm ponds, catching a 5 pound bass at Grandpa’s woods. He also developed a love for coin collecting and antiquing, especially with sister-in-law Susan in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He made frequent trips there with his brother, Bill, and son, Steve.
Continuing his life-long passion for sports, Charles became an avid golfer, playing many years in the Men’s City League, and the golf league at the Highlands. He was especially proud of his hole-in-one at the Crooked Creek Golf Course and his “mulligan” hole-in-one at the Holmes Park Golf Course.
When Nebraska winters got too cold for him, he started wintering in Arizona, first for just a few weeks a year and eventually for 6 months at a time. He played hours and hours of computer games at home and in Arizona and also enjoyed playing card games like solitaire, hearts, and cribbage.
Charles will be dearly missed by family and friends. A special thanks is extended to the staff at High Plains where he received wonderful care.
Family members include son Steve Seng (Susan), 2 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren; son Brad Seng; brother William Seng; brother-in-law Tom Wilkinson (Beth); sisters-in-law Susan Clifford and Coleen Seng; and special friend Lana Jo Reffert. Preceded in death by his wife Shirley, and his brother Darrel Seng.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 17th from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. with family present from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel (4300 ‘O’ St.)
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences online at www.roperandsons.com