Charles Arthur Aus returned to the welcoming arms of his Lord on Nov. 13, 2016, complications from congestive heart failure finally overcoming his indomitable spirit. He was born on March 7, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Aubrey and Clara (McKeon) Aus, the oldest of five siblings eventually growing up in Amery, Wis.

Charlie joined the Navy in 1944 as an enlisted airman flying Wildcats. In 1946-1948 he was accepted to the NavCad program, studied his way to a degree at St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minn., and was granted a commission. From the decks of carriers and from the cockpits of P2V Neptunes, L-1049 Super Connies and dozens of other aircraft, he truly saw the world and lived the adventure. A veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War, he rose to the rank of lieutenant commander, retiring on July 31, 1967, riding off the base wearing full dress whites, sitting in his office chair, all loaded in the back of his Charlie’s Shell pickup.

Following the Navy, Charlie owned his own service station and finally ran the Hobby Farm Realty, a safe haven for many a new homeowner. He was a devoted Knight of Columbus, a charter member and Past Grand Knight for John E. O’Brien Council 3361 of Oak Harbor, Wash.

Most important of all, he met and married Mary Ginter of Little Falls, Minn. on Sept. 11, 1950. They spent an amazing 66 years together, with pride and joy in their beautiful family, and he was known to us all as “Papa.” They retired to Whidbey Island, the perfect place, the last place God created, to the home he always wanted, the Hobby Farm.

Charlie was, most of all, a family man. His greatest joys were in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, with their pictures and accomplishments displayed on every surface of the Hobby Farm. He was fiercely intelligent, a devout Catholic, a staunch Republican, the patriarch of his family. And oh, he loved to debate, with anyone who wanted to listen (and even some who didn’t). He will be remembered for his love of family, devotion to his community and nation, his giving spirit, and for the many stories he had, all mostly true — he was, after all, an aviator and a fisherman.

Charlie is survived by his wife Mary Aus; brothers Thomas Aus, Robert Aus, and James Aus; daughters Theresa (Lee) Transue and Catherine (Matt) Scassero; his son Charles (Julie Roberts) Aus; grandchildren Jonathan Transue, Matthew (Melanie Rogers) Transue, Marcus (Erin) Transue, Stephanie (Marvin Pamintuan) Aus, Veronica Transue, Steven (Tonya) Aus, Phillip Scassero, and Meghan Scassero; and great-granddaughter Mia Transue. He was preceded to the Lord by his parents, his sister Patricia Aus, and his son Charles Arthur Aus II.

With appreciation, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Knights of Columbus and/or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please post memories and comments at the Burley Funeral Chapel website at www.dignitymemorial.com/burley-funeral-chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2016 at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

You were loved by many, Papa, and while you will be dearly missed, your legacy will outshine us all.