Charles L. Sternhagen

January 21, 1919 - July 10, 2020

Charles L. Sternhagen, 101, of Fence, WI, went to meet the Lord on Friday, July 10, 2020. Charles was born in Florence, WI on January 21, 1919, son of the late William and Wilhelmina (Keeper) Sternhagen. He grew up and attended school in Fern and graduated from Florence High School. Charles farmed with his father until 1942 when he enlisted with the Army and reported to basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina prior to serving with the Texas 36th division field artillery BTRY-A. In 1943 he sailed to Africa and fought Italy, France and Germany during the invasion on Salerno. He was discharged in 1945 and received a European Theater Ribbon with four battle stars and an oak leaf. Charles married Lorraine Berklund on September 12, 1946 at the Fence Bible Church. Charles worked for 27 years for the Florence School District and served the town of Fence as township supervisor for 30 years. In 2012, he was happy to be able to attend the U.P. Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Charles is survived by his daughters, Linda Sternhagen (Donald Schneider) and Greta (Joseph) Sato; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Lorraine, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kay Weaver, four sisters and two brothers. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Saturday, July 18th at the Fence Bible Church. A graveside service will be held following the visitation at the Fence Cemetery. Pastor Tim Smith will officiate. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post #50 will conduct military graveside honors. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Charles Sternhagen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.