Charles "Chuck" Tuff
Oconomowoc - Charles "Chuck" Tuff of Oconomowoc, age 78, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Angels Grace Hospice. Having had many great accomplishments in his life, one of the most notable time in his life being his ability to fight this battle of Alzheimer's, in the most courageous manor. Chuck served in the U.S. Army for 4 ½ years, as a Captain. Having survived being shot down in Vietnam, coming home, going back to college and facing two more years of school, he attacked his future by finishing his education with honors. On his path to the future, he started out as a CPA for Modine Manufacturing in Racine, which led to his coming to Oconomowoc in 1974, working for Sentry Equipment as a Controller, and soon became President there. Finally, he took over and became Owner and President of Heinn-Chapman Corp. in Milwaukee for 17 years. While managing his career and private life, he was married in 1965 to Sandra Tuff, and they had three children, Rory Tuff, Veronique Swofford and Rhett Tuff. He became Gramps to Ashley (Danny) Vuk, Jacob Swofford, Kelly Swofford, Michael Tuff, Carolyn Tuff and Hannah Tuff. While being proud of his entire family, he also enjoyed being Great-Gramps to Zoey Vuk, Willow Vuk and River Vuk.
Jack Siebert
While I don't believe that I knew Chuck, I am always saddened when a '61 classmate has passed. It appears that Chuck led a full life with many accomplishments. My condolences to his family.
Bernard Covelli
I remember Chuck from high school, he went to McKinley in jr high. He was a quiet guy but friendly. So sorry to read about his passing however he certainly made a success for himself and his family. My sympathy to his wife and children. RIP friendMary Irving (Jurgaitis)
Amazing accomplishments! Sometimes I think we all wish that somehow we would have gotten to know our classmates better, rather than learning about them through an obituary. I believe that his final struggle is no longer a part of him. May his family feel peace and mostly joy that he was in their lives!
John Sturino
I don't recall Chuck from school, but after reading his obit, I see he turned out to be quite the man! Both in business and family. My condolences to the family of Mr Charles (Chuck) Tuff.
Carol Kramer (Miller)
Sorry to hear another classmate has moved on. May his family find peace and remember to wonderful things he accomplished.
James Wendt
I met Chuck at an early age in Bonnie Hame. Somehow we both got to go to the new McKinley grade school the first year it opened (our second grade), and soon became fast friends walking to and from school every day. After McKinley, we reverted to Bain and ultimately Wilson.
But then came the great Bonnie Hame diaspora and he went east and I went south. We stayed in touch though and discovered golf and used to occasionally play together. Somehow Chuck wangled a job as the first-hole starter at Pets. It was a good position for him and I think he did quite well there. He then put in a good word for me and I became the back-nine equivalent. This was my first job other than a paper route – the pay wasn’t much but free golf passes helped.
As the years went by I would occasionally run into Chuck but I think it was the 45th reunion when we had dinner together. It was a marvelous evening of rediscovery of our earlier years and I value its memory. I kept looking for him at later reunions but that was the last time I saw him. I’m sorry for the bout with Alzheimer’s. We seem to give-up pieces of ourselves as we age but to loose the memories of our earlier days and ultimately the recognition of our loved ones and even ourselves, makes this the cruelest subtraction of all. Rest-at-ease my friend, I still remember.