Charles "Chuck" Andreas

Charles Andreas, age 92, of Neenah, passed away on March 4, 2026, at Evergreen Retirement Community. Born on May 24, 1933, in Portland, Oregon, he was the son of the late Valentine and Helen (Nelson) Andreas. He married Jean Andreas (Bergen) on April 17, 1956; she preceded him in death, as did their daughter, Victoria Smith.

After graduating from high school, Charles served a four-year tour with the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. Upon returning to Fond du Lac, he joined his father in the Airway Coin business, which he later operated himself. He eventually returned to his lifelong passion for aviation. With partners, he meticulously rebuilt a 1931 Stinson Tri-motor from a trailer of scrap metal brought from Alaska. For years afterward, they toured the country, offering flights and showcasing the restored aircraft, which now resides at the Kermit Weeks Fantasy of Flight museum. Charles later founded Airway Aircraft, where he built award-winning vintage planes such as the Stearman and Staggerwing Beech, earning recognition both in the United States and Europe. He continued this work well into his late eighties, leaving behind an extraordinary depth of knowledge in his field.

When not working, Charles found joy in time spent with family, whether on the water or in the air. An accomplished pilot, he shared countless adventures with friends and loved ones, from fishing trips in Canada to simple flights for a “hundred-dollar hamburger” in Wautoma. He was a longtime member of the Ancient and Secret Order of the Quiet Birdmen, known among them as a true Goodfellow. He remained young at heart while chasing his grandchildren and, later, his great-grandchildren around the house and hangar, living a full and spirited life with a can of Coke in one hand and cookies in the other.

He is survived by his children, Charles H. Andreas of Neenah and Joy L. (John) Crosser of Arizona; seven grandchildren, Cody and Wes Henry, Melissa Boe, Aaron (Traci) Shaw, Alli (Scott) Kemper, Nicole Garland, and Chris Andreas; twelve great-grandchildren, Alex, Andruw, Devin and Tyler Garland, Grace and Eliza Boe, Lilian Rhode, Ava and Elliott Shaw, Emmett, Waltt, and Trent Kemper; and a son-in-law, Jeff Smith.