Charles Sylvester Wendelberger, entered eternal life on December 10, 2025 at the age of 94.

Chuck was born December 31, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Eleanore and Charles Wendelberger.  He grew up in Wauwatosa, where he attended Mother of Good Council Grade School and Marquette University High School.  Chuck was in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 and served in the Korean War from February 1952 until April 1953.  Upon his return, he enrolled at Marquette University where he met the love of his life, Sue.  They were united in marriage on June 9, 1956 at St. Jude’s in Wauwatosa.  Shortly after, Chuck graduated from MU with a degree in Business Administration.   He began his career with Arthur Anderson as a CPA.  He subsequently worked at Mooney Tractor and Mid States Machinery.  In 1968, Chuck joined Brake & Equipment Company which he purchased a year later with partner, Bud Zinn.  He served as President and CEO of Brake & Equipment from 1969 until 2001.

Chuck's Catholic faith defined him.  A man of deep conviction and action, he fully embodied his beliefs.  Chuck held numerous positions in parishes to which he belonged and in service clubs in which he held membership.  He was a lector and treasurer at St. Pius X in Wauwatosa and held similar responsibilities at St. Hubert’s in Hubertus and St. Boniface in Germantown.  He was the President of the Board of Directors at F&M Bank and held the position of President of the NTEA (National Truck Equipment Association).  He was also a member of the Board of Directors at Cardinal Stritch University.  In addition, he was an active member of the Menomonee Falls Rotary Club and the Evans Scholars Program. 

Chuck was an avid supporter of Marquette High School and a proud Marquette University basketball season ticket holder for 60 years.  As devoted MU fans, Chuck and Sue celebrated in person at the 1977 NCAA Championship game.  He also held tickets for Green Bay Packer games in Milwaukee from 1957 - 2001, taking many business associates to games at County Stadium.

One of Chuck’s great joys in life was playing golf.  He became a member of Westmoor Country club in 1970 and found some of his greatest friendships and memories there.  He loved everything about the game including playing it, watching it on TV and traveling to major tournaments to spectate.  He played in the Vince Lombardi Golf Classic on several occasions!   As a busy business owner, he loved the peace and tranquility of the course and famously said “It never rains on the golf course”.

Chuck and Sue made their home in Wauwatosa and spent summers at Lake Amy Belle in Hubertus, where they built their dream home in 1980.  They thoroughly enjoyed winters in Palm Springs, California and traveled widely both nationally and internationally throughout their lifetime.  In January 2024, they moved together to Fairway Knoll in Germantown.

Chuck loved listening to, and singing all kinds of music, especially Christmas carols with his family.  His absolute favorite was singing Edelweiss as Sue accompanied on the piano.  Physically, Chuck had many health challenges with his heart but he faithfully attended his Cardiac Rehab in Menomonee Falls at Community Memorial where he made many friends. He generously supported his loves and causes without any fanfare. Chuck also supported his 14 dear grandchildren in so many ways, most notably in their education.

He was preceded in death only 12 weeks prior by his loving wife, Sue.  He was also preceded in death by his parents Eleanore and Charles as well as siblings and in-laws Audrey (James) Diel, Arlene, his Irish twin (Pete) Pryor, Joan (Steve) Lavinio, Jean (Vern “Hank”) Jesse, and former daughter-in-law Erica Wendelberger.

Chuck is survived by his brother John (Mary Jane) Wendelberger, his sister-in-law Jean (Ray) Nelson, his children Deb (Dave) Johnson, Bob (Susanne) Wendelberger, Kathryn (Larry) Devine, Paul (Pam) Wendelberger, and Beth (Mike) Hermann, his grandchildren Elly Johnson, Becky Johnson, Sam Johnson, Charlie Wendelberger, Megan (Joe) Henkle, Ryan (Kayla Marquardt) Morris, Kelly (Dan) Rogutich, Kevin Devine, Amy (fiance’ Tim Lieb) Devine, Nicole (Austin) Branham, Drew (Anna McGillivray) Wendelberger, Hans (Amy) Hermann, Paul Hermann, Mark (Baye) Hermann, and Anna (Adam Snyder) Hermann, and his great-grandchildren Rory Rogutich, Mila Rogutich, and Walter Hermann. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Karri Topp for her compassionate care, and to the staff of the Arbor Memory Care at Fairway Knoll for their kindness during Chuck and Sue’s final years. Staff at Fairway Knoll found daily joy in getting Chuck to smile!

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 9:00am - 10:00am at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am with a lunch to follow.  A private interment will take place at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marquette University High School or the Evans Scholars Program.