Charles Arthur Bowser Jr., 83, of Cedarburg passed away April 27, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

Charles was born on March 14, 1942 to Dorothea (nee Innes) and Charles Bowser Sr., the eldest of seven children. He was raised in Kittanning, Penn.

In his youth, Charles enjoyed hanging out by the Allegheny River, whether it was swimming, fishing, boating or camping. He liked to joke that he had a very good immune system due to swimming in that river.

Charles graduated from Kittanning High School. He served in the U.S. Army stateside from 1962 to 1965. His service eventually led him to Milwaukee, where he met the love of his life, Janet Leonard, on a blind date. They were inseparable ever since.

Charles and Janet married on Sept. 26, 1964 at Mother of Perpetual Help in Milwaukee. In 2024, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Gina and Sheri.

The family eventually moved from Milwaukee to Cedarburg around 1978. Charles and Janet built their home and planted all the trees surrounding it. There they and their family shared many happy memories.

Charles’ work career included many years at the American Can Company and Menasha. He was known to draw cartoons involving his coworkers and himself, where he was the hero.

Charles enjoyed golfing, doing puzzles, bowling, going out to eat (especially at the Family Table, better known to family as the Pink Place) and traveling the United States with Janet. But most of all, he loved being around his family and friends, and those memories will be cherished by those who knew him.

Charles had a great sense of humor and he was the friendliest man you could know. The best quality he had was how much love and devotion he had for his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife Janet; daughters Gina (Don) Luick and Sheri (Mike) Baehring; grandchildren Stephanie (Obie) Baehring, Matthew Luick, Chrissy Luick and Michelle Baehring; siblings Mike (Debbie d.) Bowser, Dorothea Jageman, Lillian Bowser, Steve Bowser and Jeff (Sharon) Bowser; sister-in-law Judy (Wayne d.) Peterson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; sister Sue and her husband Ron Rumbaugh; sister- and brother-in-law Jo Ann and Kenny Brown; brothers-in-law Ron Leonard and Wayne Peterson; Chris Leonard; and sister-in-law Debbie Bowser.

A visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 2 at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave. in Cedarburg. A memorial service will follow from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of life will take place at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Peter Wollner Post 288, W57N481 Hilbert Ave. in Cedarburg.