Charles Michael Nolan
September 8, 1931 -
November 6, 2025
Charles Michael Nolan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, returned to his eternal home on November 6, 2025 at the age of 94. Born on September 8, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Charles lived a life rich in love, adventure, and service.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Liberty, his cherished daughter, Michelle, his adoring granddaughter, Violet, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Leo and Margaret, as well as his siblings: James, Robert, Virginia and Catherine. Charles was a man of many passions, finding joy in painting, art, swimming, sailing, golfing and traveling. He embraced life with enthusiasm, whether he was running, ice skating, camping with friends, cross-country skiing, or tending to his garden. His love for music and reading enriched his life and the lives of those around him.
A former Columban priest, Charles dedicated his life to serving others. His commitment to faith and service extended internationally with years of missionary work. Still standing today in the Philippines is a chapel and the Catholic radio station, DXDD, that he built from the ground up. After working in human resources for Borden and Patrick Cudahy, he founded Kinsa Group, Inc., the top executive search firm in the food and beverage industry which is still operating 40 years later, and started the DORE (Department of Religious Education) program at St. Alphonsus Church in Greendale, WI. At 79 years old, he retired with his wife to California and established the Lincoln Community Garden, fostering a sense of connection and growth. After a few years, he returned to WI to be with family and decades-long friends. During his working years, Charles was actively involved in the St. Columban Mission Society, Chamber of Commerce, ERA, and NHRA, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.
Chuck, as he is fondly called, often shared many stories of his adventures. One of his greatest lessons in life was sailing the turbulent China Sea — a reminder of the importance of caution and respect for nature. He cherished many family memories, his time with his nieces and nephews, the swimming contests with his brothers, canoeing from Chicago to Canada, and many unforgettable family vacations that brought laughter and joy.
Chuck will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, his faith in God, love for adventure and his deep commitment to family, friends and community. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and a verve for life that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Rest in peace, Chuck. You left a big hole in our hearts, but your spirit will forever sail on in the hearts of those who knew you.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Missionary Society of St. Columban (https://columban.org) or to Covenant House (www.covenanthouse.org), honoring Chuck’s lifelong dedication to service and community.
Visitation
Funeral Service
Posted by:
Betty RichardPosted on:
November 18, 2025So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. Liberty & Michelle, may God’s loving grace console & sustain you and may the angels welcome Chuck into Paradise. My prayers & thoughts are with you. Betty
Posted by:
Dan and JillPosted on:
November 18, 2025My Michael Chuck was a kind and extremely thoughtful person. My earliest memories of Chuck was when he was a priest with the Columbian order. I remember being an altar boy for him at mass. He was always calm, willing to listen, and displayed that willingness to engage others, to ponder and consider the value of their thoughts or opinions even when they might differ from his own. Some years ago, Chuck called me to talk about faith. In doing so he shared with me that he was trying to read the Quran to gain a better understanding of Islam. He was always gentle, loving and willing to give up his time of others. The last time Jill and I saw Chuck, Bert, Michelle and Violet was last thanksgiving. While he was approaching the end stages of life he continued to display that affection and kindness that was so much a part of who he was. We will miss him.
Posted by:
Jimmy & Yvette SorianoPosted on:
November 17, 2025Our deepest condolences to the family.
Posted by:
Gary and Barbara PlouffPosted on:
November 16, 2025Chuck is a most remarkable person and a dear friend. We know God is well pleased with Chuck and has prepared a most glorious place in heaven for him.
Posted by:
Oliver EudelaPosted on:
November 15, 2025Sending all my love. Uncle Chuck is part of the wonderful memories from my childhood and it was a blessing to my parents and I to have known him. My sincere condolences.
Posted by:
Sr. Eileen KazmierowiczPosted on:
November 13, 2025Dear Liberty and Family, My sincere condolences on the loss of Chuck. I always appreciated his active participation in church life. May he rest in the peace of Christ. May you all know the comfort of many memories and the support of family and friends. Peace be with you. Sr. Eileen Kazmierowicz
Posted by:
Tom NolanPosted on:
November 13, 2025To us, uncle Chuck was a very peaceful man with high ethics which were clearly rooted from the years he spent in the Catholic priesthood. His brother Bob was my father and I still have the photo of me being baptized by Chuck when he was a priest, something I’ll always cherish. As my wife Mary Beth and I grew with our large family and had moved around the country, several years would go by without seeing Chuck and his wife Bert. Coincidentally both our families moved to California where we were in the south and he was in the far north. Luckily, I had to attend business conference up in Sacramento and we were able to spend a full day and night with them. We will never forget the four of us praying the rosary together at dusk on his patio of his home, truly uplifting event. Lastly, just within the last year or so at the height of his Alzheimers we had stopped by his home and sadly he didn’t know either one of us. However we did walk downstairs to see his cherished beautiful Jesus life-size painting he did. As we stood in front of it I asked him to give us a blessing. Immediately is priestly demeanor kicked in and it was like he was a priest again. His voice changed and the right hand went high to the ceiling down to the floor to the far left and right as though he was blessing his past congregations. What a moment we will always treasure!
Posted by:
Elmira DiazPosted on:
November 13, 2025My deepest condolence to Liberty Nolan on the passing of her beloved husband. May he rest in peace.
Posted by:
Phil KulwickiPosted on:
November 13, 2025Chuck was a truly great man that impacted my life in so many ways
I could never thank him enough for everything he did for me
I still think about him all the time
Sincere condolences to Liberty and Michelle
