Charles Virgil Jueschke, Jr,
Charles Virgil Jueschke, Jr, 89, of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away on Aug. 16, 2023, following a brief illness.
Charles (or “Charlie” as he preferred to be known) was born on May 21, 1934, to Virgil and Catherine (Swords) Jueschke in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He grew up in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, and, after graduating from Tonkawa High School, he attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College. While in school, he held part-time jobs working at his dad’s store, Jueschke Farm Equipment, and delivering ice. In January 1955, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He was proud to later report to his children that he traveled Europe on his $65/month income. After discharge from service Dec. 24, 1956, he continued his studies in agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University.
While at OSU, he met Barbara Huston on a blind date, and they wed August 1, 1959, going on to have two children, Chris and Melissa.
After graduation from OSU, Charles landed his first job as a territory manager for John Deere in Durant, Oklahoma, kicking off a 26-year career in agriculture. He was later transferred to Lawton, Oklahoma, where the family resided until another transfer in 1979 to Warrensburg, Missouri.
Though his job required him to travel each day, he was home in the evenings and was very active in family activities. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 145 of the Boy Scouts of America in Lawton and took numerous camping trips with Chris and the scouts, including a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. He also traveled with Melissa and Barbara to numerous batontwirling competitions, including a trip to AYOP National and World Championships in South Bend, Indiana. During summer months, the family spent many afternoons at Lake Lawtonka, where he taught Chris and Melissa (and many of their friends) to water ski.
Throughout his life, Charles was very active in the Catholic Church, having served as an Altar Boy in Tonkawa and a Eucharistic Minister in Lawton and Warrensburg.
After retiring in 1986, Charles enjoyed selling cars part-time at Buttram Motors and spending time outdoors. He took great pride in caring for his yard as well as the grounds at Sacred Heart Church and rectory.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Leavenworth. The Rite of Committal followed at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Charles was predeceased by his parents, Virgil and Catherine Jueschke and his brother Thomas Eugene Jueschke. He is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 64 years; son, Chris (Rainie) Jueschke of Covington, Georgia; daughter, Melissa (Michael) Precht of Lansing, Kansas; granddaughter Amber (Jon) Martin of Clinton, Missouri; grandson Nicholas Precht of Kansas City, Missouri; and granddaughter Michaela Precht of Lansing; and great grandsons Tristan and Trevor Martin. He is also survived by sisters, Marilyn Johnson of Ulysses, Kansas; Pat (Tom) Sipe of Ponca City, Oklahoma; and sister-in-law Deanna Jueschke of Flandreau, South Dakota. Other surviving family members include many much-loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.