Charles (Cork) Howard Boelkow, age 76, moved on to his heavenly home on Sunday, January 5, 2020, surrounded by his family and friends. Charles was born on November 16, 1943, in Elkhorn, WI the son of Frederick and Carol (Longstaff) Boelkow. Charles married Bonnie L. Bittner on July 14, 1962. He was the owner of Belco Construction and Lima Concrete and a member of Local 344 Carpenter’s Union. He worked his entire life in the construction trade and retired in 2003.
Cork enjoyed hunting, shooting sports, fishing, racing snowmobiles, and building with his hands. He was a regular at the morning social circle at the local restaurant where he liked spending time discussing current events with lifelong friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was especially involved with his children and his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Cork was actively involved in his church. He was a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts, Youth Group leader, and a 4-H leader for many years.
Cork is survived by his four children Robert (Colleen) Boelkow of Hartford, WI; Randy (Michele) Boelkow of Cudahy, WI; Charles Jr. (Donna) Boelkow of Milwaukee, WI; and Rebecca (Michael) Matteson of Whitewater, WI and his eight grandchildren Jacqueline, Meghan, Matthew, Mitchell, Jacob, Brett, Abigail, and Makenna. Cork is also survived by his sister Patricia (Donn) Renning of Tucson, AZ; sister Nancy (Morton) Hertel of Brookfield, WI; cousin Donn (Barb) Renning of Madison,WI; Sister-in-law Katie (Fred) Boelkow Walker; and many other family members and friends. Charles was preceded in death by wife Bonnie, parents Frederick and Carol, brother Frederick (Katie) Edward Boelkow Jr., and brother-in-law Donn Wesley Renning. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek, WI.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI with Rev. Jerald Wendt officiating. Burial will follow at the Richmond Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
