Charles Randle Gann Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the Hospice Alliance in Kenosha on February 22, 2025. He was born September 13, 1923 in Booneville, Mississippi to Charles and Willie Gann. He was raised on his parents’ farm and graduated from New Site High School in 1941.
Charles was a World War II veteran, serving in the army from 1943, as a medic in the European Theatre, until his discharge in 1948. He moved to Kenosha after his discharge, where he eventually met his future wife, Geraldine (Geri) Bedrosian. Charles and Geraldine married in 1950, and now have 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Geri preceded Charles in death, passing away in 1979.
Upon arriving in Kenosha, Charles worked at American Motors Corporation for 9 yrs. He eventually joined the Kenosha Fire Department in 1959, where he worked as an apparatus operator for most of his career. He retired from the KFD in 1992 after 33 years. He also worked part-time at Wisconsin Fuel for 15 years during those years.
He was a member of Fire Fighters L-414 and served as a board member. He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 1865.
Charles enjoyed hunting with his good friend and co-worker Bob Burke. Charles and Geraldine spent many special moments with Bob and Jean Burke, Geri and Chuck’s families, and all their kids. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and grilling out for his family. He cooked many meals for his fellow firefighters during his years on the Fire Department. He also enjoyed dinner and dancing, and spent many special years doing that with his friend Judy Sloan. He also enjoyed breakfasts with his fellow retirees Ron, Ralph, and John.
Charles got his most enjoyment from his family. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a great dad and granddad, but humble in that he always gave credit for raising such a wonderful family to his wife, Geri.
Charles is survived by his daughters, Louise Schepker (Charles) of Kenosha and Nancy Knotts (Robert) of Frisco TX, and his sons Charles Gann Jr. (Lorie) of Kenosha and Clayton Gann (Patricia) of Appleton WI. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren: Lisa Lipp (Frank) and her daughters Sophia and Alexis; Charles Schepker Jr. (Sarah) and their children Emma, Cameron, and Caleb; Jason Knotts (Sara); Nicolas Knotts (Devon) and their daughters Charlie and Landry; Rebecca Kaechele (Eric) and their daughters Evie and Emery; Kevin Gann (Tori) and their sons Noah and Jace. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ben, his sisters Nellie Rue and Ann, and his wife Geraldine.
Funeral services with full military honors will be on Friday February 28th 2025 at 5:00PM in the Kemper Center Founders Hall. (6501-3rd Avenue) Visitation with the family will be on Friday in Founders Hall from 3:00PM until the time of service. Privat burial will take place at Greenridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials to either Kenosha Firefighter CARE, (Community Assistance Response Effort), D.A.V., (Disabled American Veterans) or Hospice Alliance would be appreciated.
