Charles Phelan
July 03, 1947 - July 01, 2025
Obituary
Charles M. “Charlie” Phelan of Madison, WI passed into eternity at the age of 77, after a courageous struggle with cancer.
The eldest of six children, Charlie was born on July 3rd, 1947, in Rhinelander, WI to Richard L. and Dorothy M. Phelan. A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Charlie served as a US Army MP and remained a proud advocate for Veterans’ causes throughout his life. After completing his tour of duty, Charlie explored the country, living in such varied places as the Florida Keys “before word got out” and the Front Range of the Rockies, encountering a great many characters along the way.
In 1978, he married Barb Hartmann. Together, they lived happily for nearly fifty years, the last thirty of which they spent in Madison.
Charlie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in Journalism and was renowned for his unforgettable turns of phrase. Pursuing a commitment to justice, Charlie worked as a Civil Rights Investigator for the State of Wisconsin, retiring in 2011.
A consummate raconteur, friends and family were always delighted to hear Charlie’s stories and characteristically hilarious pronouncements on the current scene. He read widely and possessed a capacious knowledge of history, literature, sports and music. Charlie was a deeply thoughtful man, generous of spirit, who dispensed wisdom and keen, Irish wit in equal measure.
He led a rich, inimitable life and will be dearly missed.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorothy, and is survived by his wife, Barb, siblings Maureen Fisher of Madison, Mary Baron of Aurora, IL, Patty (Tom) Reimer of Greenville, Rich (Celeste) of Aurora, IL and Tim (Joan) of Rhinelander and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Charlie’s Life will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI. Visitation will take place at 10:00 AM until the time of service. Following the service Military Honors and a Luncheon will be held at the Funeral Home.
To view and sign this guestbook please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000
Events
Visitation
Mon Jul 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - Madison West • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Memorial Service
Mon Jul 21, 2025 @ 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - Madison West • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Military Honors
Mon Jul 21, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - Madison West • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Photos
Memories
JS
Jodi Sharkey
Family •
Beautifully written obituary. I was around Charlie a handful of times at my husband’s (cousin) family events, and it captured the essence of the Charlie I remember. Deepest condolences to the entire family and especially to the person(s) who wrote this obituary. Your love for Charlie was apparent.
PP
Pat Patterson
Friend •
I am proud to know Charlie. He was a great friend to have especially in ’69 & ’70. He really did lift all our spirits during the year we spent together in that far away land called Vietnam. And then again our recently short visits and quick email barbs. He will be truly missed.