Charles Frances "Chuck" Koranda

Charles Frances (Chuck) Koranda, of Waunakee, WI, born September 18, 1947 passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2025. 

He spent his youth in Milwaukee with his two sisters, Lil Fahrenkrug and Mary Jo Koranda. After graduating from Granville High School in 1965, Chuck enlisted in the US Army in the Warrant Officer Flight Program in April 1967. After completing basic training at Ft. Polk, LA and flight training at Ft. Wolters, TX and Hunter AAF, GA, he was appointed a Warrant Office in July 1968. His first assignment was as a Helicopter Gunship Pilot with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam, Chuck earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Valor. 

Upon returning from Vietnam, he was stationed in Texas. However, he had a quick stop home for a welcome home party where he met his future wife, Mary Pat (McCamy). “It was love at first sight” that resulted in a long distance relationship while Mary Pat finished her degree at UW Oshkosh. 

Chuck was discharged from active duty, in 1971 and after moving back to the Milwaukee area, became a member of the WI Army National Guard at West Bend, WI in 1971. While part time with the Guard, he attended The Milwaukee School of Engineering graduating as Valedictorian in the Spring of 1974.

It was on August 5, 1972 that Chuck and Mary Pat were united in marriage and spent 52 beautiful years together. It was early in their marriage when they lived in Racine, WI while Chuck worked at Modine Manufacturing and then moved to Menomonee Falls, WI to work at Outboard Marine Corporation in engineering research. In 1980 Chuck accepted an Army Guard position and began his second active duty tour, stationed at Truax Field, Madison, WI. Chuck and Mary Pat moved to Sun Prairie, WI and finally made in Waunakee, their home to raise their two daughters Jennifer and Laura.

Chuck went on to have a full career in the WI Army National Guard as a Flight Instructor of Helicopters, Instrument Examiner, Section Leader and Operations Officer. He also took time to return to flight school in San Antionio, TX to be certified to fly fixed winged C-12 and later C26 aircraft. In his 31year career Chuck had flown over 9,200 hours, of which over 1000 hours were combat. He is qualified in eleven different types of military helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He retired in 1998 as a Master Army Aviator. 

Chuck had many other loves than flying. His love for cars took him to many Indy Car races and also rebuilding his own Ford Model A. When you couldn’t find Chuck working on his car, attending his children and grandchildren’s activities, he was also busy planning and turning on his lathe, making beautiful bowls and artwork. Chuck could also be found in the kitchen where he enjoyed cooking and tweaking recipes for a better taste. He and Mary Pat loved to travel near and far and for many years spent winters in Pensacola, FL. No matter where they landed, Chuck was always able to find the best craft beers at the places with the best bar stools to sit and relax. When not traveling he and Mary Pat could be found kayaking the Madison Lakes in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. In the summer, Chuck could be found tending to his tomato plants in the back yard while barbequing one of his creative new recipes. 

Chuck was many things, but most of all he was a dedicated family man with an abundance of patience and huge heart that cared for all that touched his life. 

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethel (Zosel) Koranda and Brother-in-law Rick Fahrenkrug. He is survived by his wife Mary Pat, sisters, Lil Fahrehkrug, Mary Jo Koranda, daughters Jennifer (Scott) Estness, Laura (Chris) Knutson and grandchildren, Brianna and Hailey Estness, Sorin, Malla, and Frejya Knutson and many family and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15th at First Presbyterian Church 5763 County Road Q in Waunakee, WI. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks you please make a donation in Chuck’s name to the charity of your choice. 

Please share your memories at www.cressfunera;service.com

 Winn-Cress Funeral Home

 5785 Hwy Q

 Waunakee, WI