Charles Fredrick Struck, of Mequon, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on June 7, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Charles was the son of Clarence F. Struck and Helen (nee Bremer) Struck. He spent much of his youth on the family farm in Mequon, Wisconsin, raising calves and riding tractors. Charlie always referred to himself as a “farm kid,” a background that shaped his work ethic and love of hands-on problem solving. During these years, he also developed his mechanical skills, learning how things worked by taking them apart, often to his parents’ chagrin.

He graduated from University School of Milwaukee in 1958 and went on to earn an economics degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Charlie proudly served his country in the Wisconsin National Guard from 1963 to 1969.

On January 28, 1967, Charlie married Barbara Jeanne Dahl. They settled in Mequon and shared nearly 60 years of love, partnership, and adventure. That adventure included raising two daughters, Mary and Sarah.

Charlie was a successful entrepreneur, founding the C. F. Struck Corporation in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where he designed and manufactured compact crawler tractors for more than 50 years. His Mini Dozer was showcased on the cover of Popular Science magazine in 1967. That prompted a promotional trip to New York, where Charlie was invited to The Tonight Show, where Johnny Carson hesitantly rode a Mini Dozer onto the stage.

Outside of work, Charlie loved going “up north” and owned several lake houses over the years, each becoming another remodeling project. He was never without something to build, fix, or improve. An avid woodworker, he designed and created numerous gifts for his children and grandchildren, including a playhouse, kitchen set, log cabin style birdhouses, pedal firetruck, and nativity creches.

Known as “Corky” to close friends and family, he will be remembered for his dry humor, his ingenuity, and his dedication to those he loved. Charlie was strong in his faith and generously supported his church. While a private person, he showed his care for others through quiet generosity and a steady presence.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Barbara, his daughters, Mary (Steve) Ray and Sarah (Everett “Chris”) Bonniwell, and his four grandchildren, Emma Bonniwell, Grant Bonniwell, Ian Ray, and Bryan Ray, as well as his brother-in-law, Ramon Tobar.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Karla Struck Tobar.

Visitation will take place at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 1-2 pm, with a funeral service celebrating Charlie’s life to follow at 2:00 pm.

He will be laid to rest at Immanuel Cemetery in Cedarburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ozaukee Congregational Church or a charity of your choice.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg, is honored to serve the Struck family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com