Charles “Charley” William Zeeh, age 81, of Prairie du Chien, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse surrounded by the family he spent a lifetime supporting.
Born to William and Cecelia (Wesoloski) Zeeh, Charley grew up in Wauzeka, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of saving while working at the family-owned Zeeh’s Feed Mill. He worked at the mill alongside his father and helped local farmers until graduating from Wauzeka High School in 1962.
He attended University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, earning a degree in business administration before beginning the next chapter of his life with Susan Millin, whom he married in 1966 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wauzeka. Together, they built a home in Milton centered on family, where their two sons, Will and Bart, were born.
Charley’s career took him from factory floors to classroom halls. He began as an industrial engineer with General Motors in Janesville before moving his family to Prairie du Chien for an opportunity with 3M. Over the next 27 years, he built a career and lasting friendships over euchre in the lunchroom before retiring. Retirement, however, never suited Charley for long. He happily joined the team at Cabela’s, where he enjoyed employee discounts and frequent adventures through the Bargain Cave. Later, he found a meaningful role as a teacher’s aide at Bluff View School, where he impacted countless students.
He found joy in the simple things: hunting in the northern woods of the Flambeau State Forest, fishing at Chetek and Lake Nancy, camping and boating in Bagley, traveling to Florida, the Carolinas, and Mexico, and driving his Camaro. Even as dementia gradually changed his world over the last ten years, Charley held to the routines that grounded him – checking the mail, suntanning on his front bench, making sure there was always a spot for his dogs, Bela and later Lucy, and helping others whenever he could.
Throughout his journey with dementia, Charley especially enjoyed sharing coffee and conversation with special friends, Judy and Jerry. In addition, he looked forward to the arrival of his caregiver, Marcia, who was a kind soul to Charley and a wonderful source of support to Susie. Through it all, Susie remained by his side, ensuring he received the best care and compassion possible.
Above all, Charley will be remembered as a dependable husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — a man who worked hard and loved making his grandchildren laugh with his quick wit. His steady presence will be missed.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Susie (Millin) Zeeh; children Will Zeeh and Bart (Michelle Kirchman) Zeeh. Siblings Larry (Kathy) Zeeh and Mary (Kerry) Larsen; grandchildren Brandt (Katelyn), Andrew (Abbie), Anna (Justin), and Abby Zeeh; great-grandchild Ayla and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Edith Klema; grandson Thomas Zeeh; and an infant twin sister, Mary Josephine.
A Memorial Service will be Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Garrity Funeral Home Chapel in Prairie du Chien, Fr. Brandon Guenther officiating, with private internment at a later date. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to CouleeCap or Ridge Top Rescue, Inc. in memory of Charley Zeeh. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.
www.garrityfuneralhome.com
