Charles “Chuck” Frawley
March 20, 1949 – July 18, 2025
Charles “Chuck” Frawley of Somerset, Wisconsin, decided he’d done enough for one lifetime on July 18, 2025, after a battle with Cortical Basal Degenerative Disease. Born to Ed and Joyce Frawley in Stillwater, Minnesota on March 20,1949, and one of six siblings, Chuck carried the weight of his childhood with quiet strength, channeling it into a work ethic so fierce it made others tired just watching him. Chuck built a thriving career in steel sales. He carved out such success that he was able to hang up his briefcase before he turned 60, and shift his full attention to the life and people he loved the most. This included the dreams he chased alongside his wife Janice and their children.
On June 5, 1971, Chuck married Janice Lee Cox, the woman who kept him grounded, laughing, and occasionally in check for over 54 years. With her, he found something rare and steady; she was a partner who didn’t just stand beside him, but became his place of comfort and peace. Together, they raised two daughters, Mandi and Linsey, on a hobby farm in Hammond, Wisconsin. They moved in 1998 to their dream property in Star Prairie, where horses roamed open pastures and Chuck’s beloved “shop” was his sanctuary. It was a place filled with well-worn tools, quiet naps in his recliner, a deck of cards, tall fish tales, and the steady comfort of Westerns playing on the TV. Chuck was known for a meticulously organized workshop, perfectly parallel lawn mowing lines, and for always keeping a good joke in his back pocket.
Chuck was a bit of a rebel in his youth and an honored high school athlete. As an adult he found his greatest joy in the simple things such as playing cards at Erin Corners, slow-pitch softball, playing a round of golf, and trap shooting, which were all made even better because he shared them with some of the finest men he was proud to call his friends, and there were a lot of them. Chuck was passionate about supporting conservation efforts as a member of the Star Prairie Fish and Game and Ducks Unlimited where he was known to use his sharp humor and natural ease in front of a crowd as a regular emcee for events. He and Janice also loved visiting the Black Hills with their horses to trail ride and spend time with some of their favorite people. He especially loved fishing and made trips to Alaska, Canada, and The Missouri River in South Dakota to wet more than a few lines over the years.
Chuck considered his greatest life achievement to be his family. He cherished and stayed connected to his many South Dakota Hanrahan cousins and his Hammond, Wisconsin Frawley cousins. His own home was a refuge of unconditional love and stability enjoyed by his siblings and niblings in times of both grief and celebration. To Chuck, his daughter Mandi was a steady and devoted presence who was always there when he needed her, offering quiet support and unwavering care. And when she gave him his greatest gifts, Mason and Tucker, she brought a depth of pride and joy to his life that words could never fully express. He relished countless hours cheering on his grandsons from the sidelines, on the water, and in the woods at the Frawley farm where they grew their love for everything outdoors. The bond between Chuck and these two boys was unmatched. Chuck was incredibly proud of the young men they were becoming, and to the boys he will always be “10 feet tall and bulletproof”. He also shared a rare and lasting bond with his son-in-law Larry who was his truest friend and who stood beside him not just in life, but in literally building the homestead Chuck and Janice dreamed of by taking their vision and bringing it to life with his skilled carpenter hands. Chuck adored his daughter Linsey, who inherited his strength of character and quick wit. Chuck beamed over her successful career in real estate and the joyful home she created with her husband Nathan, whose steady love for Linsey meant the world to Chuck. Linsey brought light and laughter into every corner of Chuck’s life. Her warmth, determination, and sense of humor were a reflection of the very best parts of him, and watching her thrive, both in her work and as a mother, was one of his life’s greatest satisfactions. But nothing delighted him more than watching his amazing youngest grandchildren grow. Lyla, with her kind, creative, and gentle spirit had Grandpa Chuck wrapped around her little finger and Odie, whose sharp mind and lively energy always kept Grandpa on his toes.
Chuck leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and whiskey-fueled wisdom. He will be missed more than he’d be comfortable admitting. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Joyce Frawley, and his brother, Tim Frawley. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janice and their children Mandi (Larry) Erickson, Linsey (Nathan Schneider) Frawley, and Gavin (Lee-Ann) Parkes along with grandchildren Mason and Tucker Erickson, Lyla and Odie Schneider, Amber (Troy Tyrell), Shelby and Serena Parkes, great grand daughter Adaline Tyrrell, brothers Ed (Cindy Easton Rhodes) Frawley, Terry (Karin Taylor) Frawley and sisters Mary (Al Ballou) Frawley and Megan McGee along with numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a visitation to remember Chuck on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 728 S Knowles Avenue New Richmond, Wisconsin. There will be a celebration of Chuck’s life immediately following the visitation. If you are able, please channel your inner Chuck. Think Wranglers, Carhardt, cowboy boots, and a hat with just the right amount of tilt. Comfort is key, practicality is a must. No formality.
In lieu of flowers, raise a glass, teach a kid to fish, work hard, and be good to the people you love.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
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