Charles R. "Chuck" Fernung , age 75 of Okeechobee, FL and formerly of Elwood, IN, died March 4, 2019 at Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee following a very brief illness.  He was born June 22, 1943 in Elwood, the son of Carl and Rosella (Frazee) Fernung, Jr.  He was baptized in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood and attended St. Joseph School.  He graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School in 1961.  Chuck went to work for the Delco Remy Division of General Motors in Anderson where he worked as a shipping clerk and retired in 1994 after 32 years of service.  He was a member of the U.A.W. #662, the Elks Lodge, the Moose Lodge, and the Frankton American Legion Post 469 where he still maintained his membership.  Chuck enjoyed retiring to Florida, fishing, and being outdoors; and he was a member of the Bass Association and the N.R.A.

He was especially passionate about veterans and supported numerous Veteran Associations through years.  Chuck was also a master woodworker who could craft just about anything from wood, and he formerly helped operate a craft and antique store.  More than anything, Chuck loved his family and enjoyed spending time talking with them.  He will be greatly missed.

Chuck's family legacy includes daughter, Tammera (Greg) Whetsel of Summitville; son, Jack (Amber) Fernung of Elwood; 4 siblings, Arlene (Don) Etchison of Greentown, David (Linda) Fernung of Kokomo, Margaret (Ken) Wardwell of New Albany, and Michael Fernung of Anderson; 5 grandchildren, Johnathon (Leslie) Konkle, Zachary Konkle, Danylle (Thomas) Petty, Samantha Fernung (Sean Johnson), and Keylee Fernung; 5 great-grandchildren, Heaven, Makayla, Cora, Owen, and Emma; 2 sisters-in-law, Marlene Fernung and Kathy Fernung both of Elwood; former spouse and special friend, Jody Fernung of Anderson; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and 18 nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Robert Fernung and Lester Fernung; niece, Hannah Fernung; and nephew, Douglas Fernung.

A memorial service celebrating Chuck's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Kal Rissman of St. John's Lutheran Church officiating.  Burial will take place following the service at 2:30 pm at Anderson Memorial Park in Anderson.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the memorial service on Thursday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.