Charles “Chuck” F. Vaughan, age 89, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom.

Chuck was born in Rockford, Illinois on September 5, 1936, to the late Charles and Bernadine (Melinz) Vaughan. Following high school, Chuck graduated from college with a degree in teaching and went on to teach Biology in several different cities. He was also a football coach during his time as a teacher. His passion for education eventually led him to be a principal. On June 10, 1961, Chuck was united in marriage to Shirley Capko in Illinois. She preceded him in death on February 11, 2020.

Chuck was a fun loving, intelligent, sociable guy. He loved fishing (especially muskies), hunting, and playing cards. He was a diehard Chicago Bears fan and loved sports of all kinds. Chuck loved the outdoors, and he and Shirley spent many summers camping in Conover, Wisconsin in a 5th wheel. Above all, Chuck loved spending time with his family and friends, and was always the person making you laugh with his great sense of humor.

Chuck will be missed by his children: Lynn Ostermann, Oostburg, Lisa (Brian) Rayford, Appleton, Matt (Jill) Vaughan, Oshkosh, Jeff (Laure) Vaughan, Menasha; grandchildren: Heidi Anderson, Matt (Laura) Rayford, Ashley Ostermann (Colton Sukowaty), Mitchell (Sarah Coceo) Rayford, Molly Vaughan (Justin Horvarter); along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Bernadine Vaughan; wife: Shirley Vaughan; brother: Thomas Vaughan; and sister: Susie Vaughan.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Doug LeCaptain with a private inurnment to be held next to his wife, Shirley, at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc. Immediately following the funeral service, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting Chuck’s obituary page at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.