He graduated from Geneva High School in 1948. He attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and the University band as well as several vocal groups. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in music until his senior year when he switched to medicine after his father died of cancer. He graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1956. Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Joann E. Miller, in 1952. Their four children, Nancy, Steve, Patty, and Tom were born between 1953 and 1957.
Following his medical residency, Charlie and Joann moved to Kearney, NE, where he began his medical practice with Dr. O. R. Hayes. He later partnered in practice with Dr. James Peck until 1976.
While in Kearney, Charlie was active in Kearney Toastmasters Club, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Posse, Buffalo County Medical Society, Buffalo County Republicans, American Quarter Horse Association, and the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce. He was also a dedicated supporter of Junior Achievement.
In 1976, Charlie and Joann moved to Lincoln, where he attended Nebraska College of Law. He graduated in 1979. He then obtained employment at the University of Nebraska Student Health Center, retiring in 2000. Charlie thoroughly enjoyed serving the medical needs of students over the years, occasionally encountering some of the babies he had delivered years before.
Charlie had a lifelong passion and appreciation for American Quarter Horses and had fun raising them as a hobby. He enjoyed playing the baritone horn in the Kearney and Lincoln city bands, playing the piano and especially being included to pick-up basketball games at the Lincoln YMCA. He and Joann regularly cheered on the Huskers during football and basketball games in addition to attending many high school basketball games coached by Steve and son-in-law, Joe Sajevic. The family made special memories during several vacations to Lake of the Ozarks, Johnson Lake and Keystone Ski Resort. In their later years, Charlie and Joann enjoyed numerous cruises sponsored by National Review, often after national political elections. Charlie loved a good political debate and met many like-minded friends.
Charlie is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Joe) Sajevic and Patty (Bob) Wilson; sons Steve (Holly) Curtiss and Tom (Laurie) Curtiss; 10 grandchildren, Jill (Austin) Domsch, Jenny (Rich) Eyler and Julie Himmelberg, Mattie (Ross) Nachtigal and Sam (Samantha) Curtiss, Charlie (Katie) Wilson, Burke (Kendra) Wilson, Joy (Elliot) Kruger and Riley (Jordan) Moncrief and Kevin Rainey; 17 great-grandchildren; sister Carolyn Chester; sister-in-law Kay Miller; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law Art and Helen Curtiss; and brother-in-law Don Miller.
There will be no memorial service, per Charlie’s wish. A private burial will take place in Geneva, NE at a later date. Roper & Sons Funeral Home in Lincoln is assisting the family with arrangements.