Charles Granville Wilson, “Charlie”

Aged 93, passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on September 23, 2013. He was born August 1, 1920 in Port Jervis, NY. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marion, and his children, Ken (Annie), Gail (Mark), Jennifer (James) Spooner, and granddaughter Molly (Andy). An expert in turf grass diseases, Charlie spent 25 years as chief agronomist at the Milwaukee Sewerage Commission where he was also marketing director for Milorganite – the Milwaukee-produced fertilizer of choice for golf courses. Prior to his time in Wisconsin, he was the first Green Section director of the U.S. Golf Association. Charlie was one of the founding directors of the O.J. Noer Foundation, named for his mentor and predecessor at the Sewerage Commission. After his retirement in 1979, Charlie continued to advise and lecture in his field. He also invented Aquashade, a non-toxic treatment to control the growth of aquatic weeds in golf course water hazards and farm ponds. Charlie was instrumental in helping create the O.J. Noer Memorial Collection at Michigan State University Library – a database for agronomy students. He was the recipient of many awards including the U.S. Golf Association Award and, just last year, the Distinguished Service Award of the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association. A WWII veteran, Charlie served on U.S. Navy PT boats in the South Pacific. He was a selfless mentor to those in his profession and generous friend to all. His smile and infectious laugh will be missed.

There will be a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Alexian Employee Appreciation Fund, Alexian Village, 9301 North 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53223.