Charles M. Piper

Charles M. Piper, age 63, died Sunday, August 29, 2010 in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born December 7, 1946, in Madison, the son of Charles and Caroline (Nixon) Piper.  Employed by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, he was Director of Veterans Assistance Programs.  He was a veteran of the Viet Nam War, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and a life member of the Viet Nam Veterans of America and the VFW.  After earning a Masters Degree in Social Work at the UW Madison Charlie spent his entire working career serving Wisconsin veterans, advocating for their rights and wellbeing. He was one of a group of Viet Nam vets who founded Vets House, a non-profit service agency for veterans.   Charlie was known for his sharp wit and great sense of humor.   He loved bike riding around Madison.   History, and especially the history of Madison and its development, was his greatest interest.    Charlie was a skilled handyman and electrician; he especially enjoyed converting found items into table lamps.   On January 19, 2003, Charles was united in marriage with Gail Loder in Madison.   In addition to his wife Gail, survivors include 5 brothers: Bill (Kathy) Piper of Oregon, Jim (Debbie) Piper of Verona, Brian (Cindy) Piper of Sun Prairie, Nick (Jackie) Piper of Middleton and Pat (Cheryl Fanning) Piper of Oregon; 3 sisters: Barb (Patrick) Koehler of Onalaska, Sue (Bill) Breitenbach of Manhattan, KS and Sandy (Lyle) Stebbins of Middleton.  He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Chris.   A memorial service with military honors will be held at 4:00 pm Sunday, September 12 at VFW Post 1318, 133 E. Lakeside St. Madison.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be send to the Charlie Piper Memorial Fund c/o U.S. Bank, Attn Kevin Viney, P.O. Box 7900 Madison WI 53707.   All donations will support Wisconsin needy veterans.   Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Avenue (608) 249-6666