Charles “Charlie” J. Hayes, age 73, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, at his home under the care of his family, friends, and Compassus Hospice. Charlie was born in Chicago, Ill., on June 12, 1948, to the late Charles and Harriet (Smith) Hayes.
Charlie grew up in the Chicago area, attending St. Leo Catholic School and graduated from Harper High School. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and earned the rank of Specialist E-4 and served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Charlie was honorably discharged in 1969. After the military, he returned to Illinois and became a boilermaker for Local One, retiring in 2011. He moved to Tomahawk shortly after, where he enjoyed golfing, pontooning, working in his yard, and updating his cottage. He loved watching sports, especially his beloved Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. He was a dog lover, owning several golden retrievers over the years including Maggie, Lady, and Sophie; Sophie survives.
Survivors include his sisters, Colleen (late James) Herman, and Carole (Jack) Cahill; his nieces and nephews, who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Butch,” Mary Kay (Robert) Griffin, Robert (Linda) Herman, Julie (Matthew) Ward, Susan (Michael) Connolly, David (Jodi) Herman, Aimee (Anthony) Albertino, Carrie (Robert) Mueller, John (Carolyn) Cahill, Cathline (William) Ferguson, and Colleen (Robert) Stahurski. He is further survived by 27 great-nieces and nephews, as well as many special friends and neighbors in the Nokomis area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Harriet; and his brother-in-law, James Herman.
Memorial services for Charles Hayes will be held this upcoming summer and announced at that time. Inurnment, with military honors, will take place at the Prairie Rapids Cemetery in the Town of Nokomis.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Charlie’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.