Charles Gretzinger
Charles E. Gretzinger, 80, of Upper Sandusky, died on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at home with his loving family by his side following an extended illness.
On Oct. 16, 1940, Charles was born in Perrysville, one of five children of the late Harold E. and Lois (Barnes) Gretzinger. He graduated from Perrysville High School in the class of 1958. He also served his country in the Army National Guard.
Charles married the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Starkey, on Sept. 12, 1965, in her hometown of Ashland. They shared 55 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on Feb. 27, 2021.
Shortly following graduation, Charles moved to Carey, where he started working for the AC&Y Railroad. He took advantage of their college program, earning a business management degree from Bowling Green State University. In total, he worked for 33 years on the railroad as an engineer, finishing his career with Norfolk and Southern Railroad.
Always hard at work, Charles’ work didn’t stop with the railroad. He was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning a farm on the side, raising livestock and grain farming. He also owned numerous rental properties over the years. His favorite pastime though, was investing in the stock market. He was self-taught, and paid attention to the market from dusk ’til dawn.
Charles was a life member of the AMVETS Post 777 in Upper Sandusky, and the American Legion Post 344 and VFW Post 3759, both in Carey. He also was a member of the Moose Lodge 1093 in Upper Sandusky.
World travelers, Charles and Phyllis loved traveling, visiting seven countries over the years, with Australia being one of their favorite destinations. They also loved to go on cruises. No matter where they traveled though, somehow at the end of their trip they always ended up in either Las Vegas or Atlantic City. They loved Las Vegas so much, they even owned property there, and lived there for 15 years. If you ever went to Las Vegas to visit Charles, he could be found at a lively craps table. He made his way to the blackjack and poker tables from time to time too.
Charles Gretzinger will be remembered as an honorable man, a man of his word.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, E. Jay (Kandy) Gretzinger of Carey; daughter, Linda S. (Mike) Siegel of Upper Sandusky; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a brother, Steve (Linda) Gretzinger of Bean Station, Tenn.; a sister, Sharon Sigler of Columbia City, Tenn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his wife and parents, Charles was preceded in death by a son, Charles E. “Chuckie” Gretzinger; two brothers, Mike and Danny Gretzinger; and a brother-in-law, Jim Sigler.
His family will greet friends from 9-10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey. Services honoring his life will follow at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Steve Sturgeon and deacon Wes Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery in Upper Sandusky.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sons of the American Legion in Carey and they may be sent to the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.
