Charles Edward Fritschle age 91, of Newton passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023 at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
Funeral services honoring Charles’s life will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday September 27, 2023 at the Crain Funeral Home with Tim Dion officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 26 in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Trexler Cemetery with military rites conducted by Jasper Post No. 20 of the American Legion.
Charles was born on December 10, 1931 in Jasper County, Illinois the son of Hansel and Nellie (Long) Fritschle. Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On March 12, 1952, Charles married Esther Lewis. She preceded him in death on February 28, 1995. He later married Eloise Calvert Bollman on May 3, 1996, she survives. Charles spent his life as a building contractor, having built 175 homes in Jasper County and surrounding area. In addition to home construction, he was a grain farmer.
Charles was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church and the Jasper County Farm Bureau. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking. Through the years, he built fine furniture, cabinetry and was well known for his Intarsia wood inlay pictures. He enjoyed traveling, eating out and taking drives through the country. His family enjoyed his “goofy” side and his collection of funny hats.
Charles will be loved and remember by his wife Eloise Fritschle of Newton; children Alvin Fritschle, wife Tricia of Newburgh, IN; David Fritschle, wife Anne of Newton; Gail Watts, husband Dana of Catlettsburg, KY and Dennis Fritschle, wife Beverly of Cave-In-Rock, IL; step-children Glenda McDowell, husband Roger of Louisville; Jill Kocher, husband Paul of Olney; Alan Bollman of Dundas and step-daughter-in-law Joyce Bollman of Dundas; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 14 step grandchildren; 10 step great-grandchildren; sister JoAnn Birk, husband Melvin of Newton and sister-in-law Terry Fritschle of Newton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Esther Fritschle, and brother Dean Fritschle.
The family has established the Charles E. Fritschle Building Trades Scholarship at Newton Community High School. Memorial gifts may be made to the scholarship fund.
Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.
