Entered into eternal life on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the age of 89 years. Beloved husband of Mary Ann (nee Laurich) for 67 years. He is survived by his wife and his two sons, Daniel J. Eastman (Wendy) and Richard C. Eastman (Cindy) and grandchildren Sarah A. Cribari (Kacey), Benjamin C. Eastman (Kayla), Jonathan D. Eastman (Emily), Jacob H. Eastman, Parker R. Eastman (Rachael) and Ryan W. Eastman (Nicole).
Charles, known by everyone as “Chuck”, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Dewitt C. and Sabina (nee Habl) Eastman on July 2, 1931, the youngest of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Frances Ennis, and brothers Dave, Dewitt, Jr., and Wayne (of Leeds, Massachusetts).
Charles attended North Division High School in Milwaukee where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann. Charles was a skilled swimmer and gymnast and won second place “all around” in the all-city gymnastics meet in 1947. He enjoyed working out and developing his gymnastic skills with his friends at Milwaukee Turners. In 1948, Charles heard the call of duty and joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the Korean Conflict for three years. After being honorably discharged with the rank of Sargeant in 1952, Charles returned to Milwaukee and married his high school sweetheart Mary Ann and went to work as a meat cutter in Milwaukee. After retiring from meat cutting, Charles worked as a bus driver for the Milwaukee County Transit System.
Charles and Mary Ann were blessed with many friends throughout his life and he enjoyed socializing and having fun. In his younger years, he enjoyed roller skating, square dancing, foil and sabre fencing, camping, boating, motorcycling, fishing and traveling. Charles and Mary Ann were active members of the Brookfield Campers Club and enjoyed traveling around the state and the country in their camper. Charles was also an active member of American Legion Post 449 in Brookfield, Wisconsin and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Charles was a loving and active father to his two sons. He was always ready help them with any and all projects, from fixing houses, cars, motorcycles and boats to delivering newspapers to building trophies. Without fail, he was always there for his sons when they needed him. He especially enjoyed volunteering as a scout leader, leading the hearty young lads of Troop 99 on many an exciting camping excursion - and earning their enduring love and respect.
Charles will rest at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin. A private service will be held graveside by the family which will include military honors. His family wishes to thank the doctors and staff in the COVID unit of Waukesha Memorial Hospital for the excellent care they provided. And, also a special thank you to nieces Carol Eastman and Cheryl Mazer (and her husband Blair) and nephew Wayne Eastman, Jr. and other family and friends for their prayers, support and encouragement during his final days.