Charles Quinn

Madison-Charles Quinn died peacefully on October 7, 2011 from complications of heart disease. He was born on Christmas Eve, 1924, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Ethyl Bunn Quinn and Paul Quinn. He was raised by his mother's sister, Mildred and her husband Ike Morrison. As a child, Charles lived on Madison's east side on Jennifer Street and attended Harvey Grade School. Later, the family moved to Madison's west side and Charles went to West High School. It was at this time he met the love of his life, Eileen Koch. Charles was a high school quarterback and also played left guard. Charles was drafted into World War Two immediately upon graduation from high school and after basic training was sent to Hampton England as part of the Army's armored division. In April 1945 he was shot in combat and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was shipped home in December 1945 and was officially discharged in February 1946.

Eileen had said the happiest moment of her life was when Charles returned to Madison and they were together again. They married in 1948. Charles attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a Bachelors degree in Art Education and a Masters degree in Applied Art in 1951. Following graduation, Charles taught art in Menasha, Wisconsin, traveling to 3 schools and working with 37 different classrooms. During this time, Charles and Eileen's two daughters were born.

Returning to Madison in 1955, Charles taught art at Emerson Elementary School on Madison's east side. He eventually became principal of that school. At that time the school had 820 students and 43 teachers. Eventually, Charles returned to the University to get his PHD in Art Education and completed the degree in 1973. He became the Assistant Dean of the School of Education, managing the Department of Student Services and advising students until his retirement in 1987.

Charles is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Quinn and husband John Ribble, and Stephanie Quinn and husband Ron Ross, granddaughters Megan Buckner, Erin Quinn Ribble and Kelly Quinn Schroeder, and last but not least the apple of his eye, great grandson Quinn Buckner. Charles and Quinn spend many hours together the last 5 years and he so enjoyed that relationship. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and Eileen, who died from complications from brain cancer in 1995.

Our dad was a steadfast family man and teacher who taught us much about love, loyalty and perseverance. During the twenty difficult years of Eileen's extended health problems, he never missed a day of looking after her and overseeing her care. No one could have asked for a better husband. Charles' sense of humor helped him through many difficult times. He especially loved to tell puns, hoping to get a groan out of someone. We will greatly miss sharing our lives with that part of him, plus much more. Rest easy Dad, we love you.