Charles William Nason III, 1944-2024
Charles William Nason III, affectionately known as Chuck, passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on Dec. 10, 2024.
Born Nov. 17, 1944, to Charles W. Nason Jr. and Doris (née Cuthbert) Nason, he was the second of their children and raised in Stevens Point, where he developed a lifelong passion for community and athletics.
A 1963 graduate of P.J. Jacobs High School, Chuck was a four-sport letter-winning athlete and senior class president before attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned a degree in speech in 1968, the same year his first daughter, Laurie, was born. Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Navy following graduation, serving for four years in Virginia and Iceland, during which time his second daughter, Kristin, was born.
After completing his military service in 1972, Chuck returned to Wisconsin and began his career as assistant administrator at Appleton Memorial Hospital. In 1976, he moved back to Stevens Point to partner with Bob Williams at Idea Associates, a public relations firm. In 1981, Chuck became president and CEO of Worzalla Publishing, where he served for 30 years, working alongside his executive assistant, Cheri Karch.
Throughout his career, Chuck demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding SPAN Publishing with friends Erv Span and John Prais. The business remains family-owned, with Steve Czywinski as president.
Chuck married three times, finding love and companionship in each chapter of his life. He married Nancy Schmidt in college, Kathleen (née Pflepsen) Lansing during his early career, and finally, Victoria (née Schneider) Nason, with whom he shared 27 joyful years alongside her sons, Joseph and Michael Adamski.
Known for his dedication to service, Chuck held more than 20 board positions throughout his lifetime, including with Marshfield Clinic, the United Way of Portage County, and the UWSP Foundation. His many awards include the BMI Distinguished Master Bookman Award, the Marshfield Clinic Heritage Award, and the SPASH Hall of Fame. However, Chuck never sought accolades; he valued people, relationships, and creating a better world.
Chuck retired in 2011, spending his final years enjoying family, volunteering, and connecting with friends at his favorite local spots. Even as dementia progressed, his humor and love for others shone through. His family and friends will remember him for his generosity, wit, and unwavering commitment to improving his community.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Victoria; daughters Laurie Nason Fellenz (Steve) and Kristin Nason Marquard (Kurt); stepsons Joseph and Michael Adamski; grandchildren Brendan Fellenz, Katherine Funk (Morgan), Lily Fellenz, Peyton Marquard, and Madigan Marquard; and nephews Hans (Melinda), Todd (Maria), and Lars (Katie) Schultz and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Susan Lucille Schultz, and brother-in-law Gordon Schultz.
A visitation will be held at Boston Funeral Home, 1649 Briggs St., Stevens Point, on Sunday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A celebration of life will take place on Monday, Dec. 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the SentryWorld Atrium, 601 N. Michigan Ave., with a formal program beginning at 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of Portage County or the Humane Society of Portage County.
“Give more than you take, and create space to laugh.”