He was born July 23, 1920 in Somerville, Massachusetts to Phyllis and Charles P. Jacques. Charlie joined the Army in 1939, at the age of 19. While stationed in San Francisco, he met and married the love of his life, Helene Helt. They celebrated 68 years of marriage until Helene's death in 2011. The two have rejoined after a brief separation following Helene's passing. Charlie always loved her cooking, and it was clear that no one could come close to her home cooked meals.
Charlie served in the Army from 1939 to 1945 as a PFC in the 132nd Infantry Regiment. He served in the Pacific Arena during WWII as a Heavy Machine Gunner. In April, he was able to fly with to Washington D.C. with the Northcoast Honor Flight to visit the WWII Memorial. Charlie was very proud to have served his country and to be a Veteran. After the war, he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad in San Francisco, and later moved to Eureka, where he was a valued and devoted employee for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad as a car inspector from 1950 until retiring in 1981.
In 1954, Charlie and Helene bought their home which they lived in until both passing. Here they raised their two daughters, Janice Williams and Charlene Ludtke. Luckily for Charlie, a Fire Station was built across the street which was the beginning of many great friendships. He loved nothing more than to share a cup of coffee with the firemen and tell stories. Another favorite place that he loved to spend time was the family's property at Bear River, where he would visit from cabin to cabin. He looked forward to spending evenings playing a game of Pedro or Rummy, or sitting by the bonfire sharing stories with loved ones.
Family was always extremely important to him, and he was a man of honesty and integrity. Charlie's hobbies were hunting, model railroading, and talking. He loved to visit his friends at Pierson Building Center, and would come up with excuses of needing this or that just to stop by. Everyone always made him feel so special.
Charles is survived by his two daughters, Janice Williams and Charlene Ludtke.
Grandchildren: Jon Williams, Joshua Ludtke and his wife Carrie, Emily Ludtke and her fiancee Matt Kralicek, and Liz Ludtke.
Great-Grandchildren: Kyndra Williams, Jillian Ludtke and Lars Ludtke. Sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Katherine Helt, Joyce Rowland, Marjorie and Lee Grams; and numerous nieces and nephews, all very special to him.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Helene; his parents, E. Phyllis and Charles Jacques; Brothers Bobby and Larry Jacques; son-in-law David Ludtke; grandson Jason Ludtke; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-laws.
Charlie will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring staff and nurses at Redwood Memorial Hospital, Hospice ofHumboldt, and Sequoia Springs.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 5 at the Fortuna Veteran's Memorial Building from 2 - 4pm.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice ofHumboldt, 2010 Myrtle Ave., Eureka, CA 95501; or Humboldt Bay Firefighters Toy Drive, 533 C Street, Eureka, CA 95501.
Care is under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, CA.
Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.
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