Obituary: Charles L. "Chuck" Berigan - Class of 1943

Charles L. "Chuck" MONONA - Chuck Berigan, age 79, of Monona, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at St. Marys Hospital, after a brief illness. Chuck was born on April 21, 1925, in Madison, and graduated from Central High School in 1943. Chuck married his soulmate, Elaine Bergum, on Oct. 21, 1944. As he was unable to serve in the military, he was proud to have served his country as a civilian working at Truax Air Field during World War II, after which he worked his entire life in the service departments of auto dealerships, including Schappe's, Gillespie Blumer, Hult Chevrolet, Thorstad Chevrolet, and finally retired from Anderson-McGinley, Stoughton, in 1987. He was an early and active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and was in charge of the ushers for many years, retiring in 1970. Chuck loved music, playing saxophone in dance bands and encouraging his daughter and grandchildren to learn the joy of music. He had a great love of animals, especially his cat, Dusty, and loved to watch birds and wildlife. Chuck was very proud to have been a member of the Monona Fire Department for 25 years, through which he made many lifetime friendships. He also worked for the Monona Police Department as a part-time officer and dispatcher for 15 years, and was a member of the Elks Club. Chuck is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Terrie and Gene Carlisle; his beloved grandchildren, Jason, Travis (Beth), April (Danny Marks), Joseph, Garrett and Morgan; and great-grandson, Maxson. Chuck deeply loved all of his family and is also survived by many nieces and nephews; cousins; the Carlisle family; his wife's cousins; and many friends, including those who considered him their second dad or grandpa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, in 2002; two children, who died at birth; his parents, Bob and Ruth Berigan; and a brother, Bob Berigan Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2005, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a Rosary service at 6 p.m., on Sunday, April 17, 2005, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. "Irish Blessing" May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Center (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 17, 2005