Charles Stephen Crouse, 92, Brookfield, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016, following a brief illness. He was born August 31, 1924, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, the second son of C.K. and Laura Witt Crouse. He married Mary Emma Lueck on May 29, 1954, in Des Plaines, Illinois. She preceded him in death in 2008.
In September 1942 he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin — Madison. His education was interrupted by military service in World War II. Charlie served as a member of the 102nd Infantry Division which fought across Europe. He received numerous commendations, including the combat infantry badge and bronze star medal. Following military service he returned to Madison, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in accounting. In midlife he earned a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in finance from the University of Wisconsin — Oshkosh.
The majority of Charlie’s career was with the Wisconsin Michigan Power Company in Appleton. In 1977 a merger with the Wisconsin Electric Power Company led to a transfer to Milwaukee where he remained until retirement in 1988.
During his years in Appleton, Charlie was a member of the First Congregational Church. In the community he served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Appleton Chamber of Commerce. Since moving to Brookfield he belonged to Brookfield Congregational Church, where he sang in the choir, and Blue Mound Golf and Country Club.
Throughout his life, Charlie was active in numerous Masonic organizations including Past Master, Waverly Lodge #51; member of Scottish Rite N.M.J., York Rite Bodies, and Tripoli Shrine. He participated in Grand Commandery Drills for 44 consecutive years. In 1995 he received the 33rd degree and became an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council.
He is survived by his brother James of Wisconsin Rapids, daughters Laura Crouse, Brookfield, and Carol Hudson, Wauwatosa; grandchildren: Katharine Hudson (Seth Peterson), Mukwonago, Lesley Hudson, Durango, Colorado, Emma Hudson, Madison, and Benjamin Hudson, Wauwatosa; and great-grandson Finn Peterson. He is further survived by nephews, nieces, and many friends.
Visitation will be at Brookfield Congregational Church, 16350 Gebhardt Road, Brookfield from 9:00AM-11:00AM on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Ceremony of Rose and Salt beginning at 11:00AM, followed by Masonic and funeral services. Entombment at Wisconsin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Charlie’s name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Tripoli Temple, 3000 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208.
