Charles Harrer

Charles W. Harrer III of Neenah WI, age 54, passed away and joined his father on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025.  Charlie passed at his supervised Neenah home where he was residing. He was born on September 17th, 1972, in Neenah, son of Sherre (Borneman) and Charles W. Harrer, Jr.

“Little Charlie’s” father, Chuck, remarried to Tammy (Heuer) and together they embarked on a journey together to provide the best life possible for their special needs son for the next 48 years.

Charlie loved 1-1 attention and over the years enjoyed many activities with his dad, Tammy, various caregivers, and friends. His favorite activities with his dad were helping with cutting wood, watching fireworks, having campfires (of course) and listening to music (oh, and if it was music he liked, like Fleetwood mac – he would get up and dance 😊 raising his legs high one at a time and running around in a circle).  His favorite family activities were rides on snowmobiles, 4-wheelers, golfcarts & boats (vroom vroom as he referred to it in his own language). He also enjoyed doing puzzles, opening presents, listening to and playing with his radios, car rides, flashcards and disassembling anything he could get his hands on.

If he wanted to spend time with you, he grabbed your hand and said “Hi,” and if he didn’t want a toy to play with or food to eat, he said “Away.” If he wanted his privacy or to have someone else all to himself, he would tell you and the others “Bye.”   He had a sense of humor if you paid attention, like when he realized that the word “Brush” could be used for toothbrush or hairbrush – then giggle and look at you when you told him to brush his hair and he would use his toothbrush to brush his hair instead of using his hairbrush.  LOL, Charlie, you funny guy!

Many people did not pay attention to him, picked on him, or took advantage of the situation as he could not verbalize to others what was happening. Maybe some saw him physically as a man, but he remained a child at heart and in mind. Charlie was a challenge who showed love in his own way to those who showed him their love unconditionally.

When someone has a true disability, our role is not to judge or assume what they can or cannot achieve. Our role is to seek understanding and wisdom, seek love - as love is patient, love is kind and listens. We offer support without pity.  We include rather than exclude. We speak to them and not around them. We welcome them not because of their ability but because of their belonging. We guide and teach them to do the best of their ability, right from wrong, and good from evil. So let us open our hearts as wide as we open our doors, and remember in God’s family, everyone belongs. 

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Chuck; and survived by his mother, Sheree; two stepbrothers; and stepmother, Tammy.

No formal service is being held so please feel free to share your favorite pictures of Charlie or you with Charlie and your fondest memories of him on his Westgor Funeral obituary page.

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to friends, teachers and caregivers from HILL, Avenues to Community, IRIS, Limitless Possibilities, Advocap, Lakeland Care, Oshkosh Family and Expressive Therapy.