Charles Andreas

Charles Andreas, Age 92, passed away Wednesday, March 4th 2026, at Evergreen Retirement Community. Charles was born May 24th, 1933 in Portland, Oregon; son of the late Valentine and Helen (Nelson) Andreas. He was united in marriage on April 17th, 1956 to the late Jean Andreas (Bergen).

Following high school, Charles served an honorable 4 year tour of duty with the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic, learning skills he would later put to great use. When his tour was complete, Charles went back to Fond du Lac and went to work with his father at their Airway Coin business, which Charles would later take over himself. After years of the family business, Charles returned to his passion, aviation. Charles and his partners spent years rebuilding a gorgeous 1931 Stinson Tri-motor from a trailer full of scrap metal hauled down from Alaska. Following its completion, Charles and company spent years touring the country selling tickets for flights and displaying their craftsmanship. The Tri-Motor now resides at Kermit Weeks Fantasy of Flight museum and still flown to this day. Charles began Airway Aircraft building vintage airplanes such as the Stearman and the Staggerwing Beech, aircraft that won awards for best in show not just in the US, but Europe as well. Charles continued building these aircraft for customers well into his late 80’s. A wealth of knowledge has passed with him.

When he wasn’t working, Charles enjoyed his family and personal time both on the water and in the air. An accomplished pilot Charles and his friends and family would go as far as adventures into Canada fishing or stay as close as the beloved $100 hamburger run to Wautoma. He was an active member of the Ancient and Secret order of the Quiet Birdmen for decades where he was known to be a real Goodfellow. Charles kept himself young chasing his grandchildren around the house and hangar, and eventually, his great grandchildren. Though he had always worked hard, Chuck lived a fun filled life with a can of Coke in one hand and a fistful of cookies in the other.

Survivors include his two children: Charles H Andreas, Neenah, Joy L (John) Crosser, Arizona; seven grandchildren: Cody & Wes Henry, Melissa Boe, Aaron (Traci) Shaw, Alli (Scott) Kemper, Nicole Garland, Chris Andreas; 12 great grandchildren: Alex, Andruw, Devin & Tyler Garland, Grace & Eliza Boe, Lilian Rhode, Ava & Elliott Shaw, Emmett, Waltt, & Trent Kemper; a son-in-law Jeff Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jean Andreas (Bergen) and a daughter, Victoria Smith.

Funeral Service will be held June 1st, 2026 at 11AM with full military honors at Clayton-Mikeville Cemetery, 7890 CTHH-T, Larsen, WI 54947.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

“Gone Flying” (Excerpt):

Don’t think of me as gone away,

My journey’s just begun.

I’ve found a new home in the clouds,

And I am flying in the sun.