Charles J White

A celebration of life service for Charles J. White will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Republican City, Nebraska with Pastor Rodney Heilbrun officiating.

Charles Junior "Charlie" White, 90 years of age, of Naponee, Nebraska died, on Monday, April 3, 2023, at his home. Charlie was born on the family farm near Republican City, Nebraska on September 18, 1932, the fourth of five children, born to Leslie and Opal (Rose) White. He received his education and graduated from Republican City Public School, with the class of 1951.

Following his education, Charlie worked on the construction crew building the Harlan County Dam. Growing up, his family lived with their Grandpa Graham on farmland that was eventually bought by the government to build the dam. Charlie worked on the dam from 1951 to 1953 when he received the call from his friends and neighbors and joined the Army in support of the Korean War. Charlie's Army career was mainly spent in El Paso, Texas as a mechanic on Army trucks. Charlie was lucky enough to take his prized 52 Ford with him while stationed in El Paso, allowing him to roam the countryside enough to realize that he liked Nebraska much more than Texas. On February 9, 1955, Charlie was honorably discharged and he returned home to continue working on the dam.

After his return, Charlie met the love of his life Mary Schescke while she was a waitress at a restaurant in town. Charlie and Mary were married on June 23, 1957, and the couple spent the first few years of their married life in Kearney where Charlie worked for a mobile home manufacturer. After a few years of building a family, they moved to Climax, Colorado where Charlie worked in the mine and a couple of years later, they decided to move back to Republican City where Charlie took over his dads' business of drilling wells and fixing windmills.

In 1966, the family moved back to Colorado, settling in Idaho Springs, where they lived for years. At first, Charlie worked at Urad mine until he was able to get on with Coors Brewing Company in 1969. Charlie worked in the Coors warehouse until he retired in 1996. After retirement, Charlie and Mary moved back to Nebraska, first to Franklin and then to Naponee where they found a craftsman-style house to restore. Restoring the house was a labor of love and hard work that put Charlie's skill to a test! The house is beautiful and provided a loving home for over 20 years.

Charlie's grandkids and great-grandkids made his eyes sparkle and put a smile on his face. He enjoyed attending their sporting events, taking them to the park, catching frogs, building things, fishing, and playing games with them.

Charlie is now making memories with family that proceeded him in death. His mom and dad, Opal and Leslie; three sisters: Rosie, Ester, and Clarice; two brothers: Chester and Robert; his son-in-law, Mark Constancio, and daughter-in-law, Mary Beth White.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife Mary; their four children, Doug White (fiancé Yvonne), and his children: Alex (Stephen) and Rachel (Chris); Gail Constancio and her children: Kristin (Guido), Amanda (Joseph), Tony (Alexa) and Natalie; Pam Vik (Robert) and their children: Matt (Marissa), Mary and Diane; and Tim White (Faith); six great-grandchildren: Sofia, Jackson, Marco, Isabella, Rocco, and Luca, along with a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. Charlie's smile will be engrained in the ones that love him forever.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing, the family is honoring his wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Charlie's honor, and kindly suggested to AseraCare Hospice 6415 2nd Ave. Suite 3, Kearney, Ne 68847, or to the Republican City United Methodist Church at 304 Seventh Street, Alma, NE 68920.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.